Build a little but add a lot — these small but clever house extensions are an inspiring example of how much can be added by just expanding out slightly
The best small house extensions don’t just add new space, they can transform existing rooms and layouts, too, if a holistic approach is taken.
Savvy yet small designs for porches, side-return additions and rear extensions can all lighten undue stress put on awkward floorplans. Reimagining existing spaces – such as lofts and garages – with a small extension can significantly add space and value to any size of home.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
While the phrase ‘go big or go home’ doesn’t quite work in this context, a great idea for small extensions is to give them a strong identifying feature. This could be through an interesting cladding type, a striking interior material or even an unusual architectural form or shape.
Utilising the 12m2 footprint of a poorly insulated extension, Can Architects came up with a creative and imaginative glass version to connect the house to the garden.
Off-the-shelf I-beams were used to create the external steel frame and to open out the structure like a glass box. A secret chamfered pocket door also slides neatly away behind the brick wall.
OPT FOR A LAYOUT RECONFIGURATION
One thing to remember with all layouts is that any room can be used for any purpose. Obviously, where kitchens and bathrooms are concerned, this can affect price and ease of access to plumbing and services, but on the whole, bedrooms can become living rooms, wardrobes can become en suites or utilities and so on. Carefully analysing what you need from your home and how a new addition can best serve this will help you pull together a brief for your architect.
This terrace has had a long, narrow single-storey extension added into the side return, creating a warm kitchen diner at the rear that is well connected to the newly reconfigured rooms at the front of the house. The design was by Amos Goldreich Architecture.
Building into that slender strip of space that runs alongside terraced or semi-detached houses can be tricky to get right but can make a massive improvement. While only taking up a small amount of usually wasted space to the rear, side return extensions like this one offer potential to reorganise warren-like layouts.
ASSESS THE PROPERTY
If you’re only looking to add a little, try not to get carried away by sprawling, bank-breaking ideas for inspiration. When building an extension to a house – especially one you have inhabited for some time – it can be tempting to want to make huge changes.
However, it’s often the case that small, strategic extensions can unlock the property’s potential more effectively (and for a smaller cost). Narrowing down wher
