A small but intricate project to sensitively insert a modern new shower room into my clients' large guest bedroom within their first floor flat in the category A-listed Saltoun Hall.

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The building itself is a grand former country house of national importance, dating in its oldest parts from the 15th century but now dominated by the Castellated Gothic additions constructed between 1818 and 1825 by William Burn. My clients' property occupies a suite of rooms within the imposing north front, which was converted to flats from 1967-71 by the renowned restorer Robin Jell, and backs onto the dramatic 25m high central saloon at the heart of the Hall.

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The new shower room sits discreetly below the high ceiling so that the original depth of the space can still be appreciated, something that was critical in obtaining Historic Environment Scotland’s approval for the alterations. A clever back-to-back layout with the shower gives the bedroom a shelved recess with replica architraves, mirroring the new entrance door to maintain the bedroom's classical symmetry, while reproducing an existing blocked up doorway from the back of the space to the saloon. This is itself re-purposed to form bespoke bathroom storage with subtle lighting and accessibility features.

There were various challenges fitting the new room into the space, requiring careful co-ordination of services including new drainage and extract ventilation around the historic structure and features. From the outside the only visible change is a subtle cast iron grille concealing the extract terminal.

The flat had been in my clients' family since it was converted and a bonus was the discovery of a cache of well-preserved 1971 newspapers below the floor! My clients now have a much-appreciated second bathroom that fits seamlessly into their home, helping them enjoy it for years to come.

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