Renovating
5 Small Extensions That Made a Big Difference
Find out how these five homes were transformed by relatively small additions and extensions
As many architects know, it’s not always necessary to go for a massive home extension – in fact, a small one can often work just as well. Check out these five projects where a modest addition has been key to transforming a space.
The extension created a bright connecting area and provided an opportunity to add more storage and work surfaces to the kitchen.
The architects also widened the opening at the back of the dining room, which added to the light, airy feel.
2. Introduce a line of glass
To create an open-plan living space in this Victorian home, the architects added a side-infill extension of 7.5 square metres. The new structure is connected to the old building with a margin of glass that floods the space with light.
The perimeter units are located in the new extension, and the kitchen designer chose mirrored upper cabinets to reflect the light even further.
To create an open-plan living space in this Victorian home, the architects added a side-infill extension of 7.5 square metres. The new structure is connected to the old building with a margin of glass that floods the space with light.
The perimeter units are located in the new extension, and the kitchen designer chose mirrored upper cabinets to reflect the light even further.
The extension was covered with black cladding that helps it recede into the background and contrasts with the red bricks of the original house.
3. Inch forwards
The plot of this 1960s former public-housing home in London offered limited opportunity for an extension, so the architects who live here had to do some smart thinking.
The old coal shed at the front of the property had already been converted into an internal space, but it was cramped and cold. The solution? The owners enlarged it by six square metres and made it the same height as the rest of the ground floor.
The plot of this 1960s former public-housing home in London offered limited opportunity for an extension, so the architects who live here had to do some smart thinking.
The old coal shed at the front of the property had already been converted into an internal space, but it was cramped and cold. The solution? The owners enlarged it by six square metres and made it the same height as the rest of the ground floor.
Now there’s enough room for a separate studio, powder room and a utility area, as well as useful hallway storage.
Plan a Clever Extension That Blissfully Blends Old and New
Plan a Clever Extension That Blissfully Blends Old and New
4. Retain some outdoor space
This Victorian house has been opened up by building a side-return extension of 1.9 x 4.5 metres.
The architects decided not to extend the full length so the owners could retain as much of the courtyard as possible, but the new space was large enough to transform the kitchen and dining room.
This Victorian house has been opened up by building a side-return extension of 1.9 x 4.5 metres.
The architects decided not to extend the full length so the owners could retain as much of the courtyard as possible, but the new space was large enough to transform the kitchen and dining room.
The new dining area is flooded with natural light from the extension’s full-length skylight. Vertical panels along the glazing also help reflect light into the living room beyond.
Retaining a section of the courtyard and adding glazed walls allows the owners to look out from the kitchen and feel as if they’re cooking in the garden.
5. Keep things cosy
The owners of this home were told by their builders that the difference in cost between a full-width extension and a smaller one would be minimal, but that didn’t convince them to go large.
They wanted their new kitchen to sit next to a sheltered outdoor seating and dining area, so an offshoot extension was ideal. The new addition is just 1.87 metres wide and 2.14 metres long, but it has created a seamless, open-plan feel between the dining and kitchen areas.
Tell us
Are you planning to extend your property? Tell us in the Comments if a small extension has transformed your home in a big way, like this story and save it for future reference, save your favourite images and join the conversation.
More
Flirting with the idea of extending your home but not sure what’s possible under your local council’s regulations? Find an architect near you to chat through the possibilities
The owners of this home were told by their builders that the difference in cost between a full-width extension and a smaller one would be minimal, but that didn’t convince them to go large.
They wanted their new kitchen to sit next to a sheltered outdoor seating and dining area, so an offshoot extension was ideal. The new addition is just 1.87 metres wide and 2.14 metres long, but it has created a seamless, open-plan feel between the dining and kitchen areas.
Tell us
Are you planning to extend your property? Tell us in the Comments if a small extension has transformed your home in a big way, like this story and save it for future reference, save your favourite images and join the conversation.
More
Flirting with the idea of extending your home but not sure what’s possible under your local council’s regulations? Find an architect near you to chat through the possibilities
A side-return extension (where the home has been extended into the slim strip of land along the rear-side of the building) of just four square metres was enough to transform this kitchen and dining room. The extra area allowed the architects to link the two rooms, bringing more space and increasing the natural light in the previously dark kitchen.