One of the most popular structural changes you can do to your home is adding a side-return extension. But what are the possibilities?

Building an extension is a costly project, but the ways in which it can transform a home are limitless. “A side-return extension is where a new construction pushes out to the side and rear of a property. It has gained popularity amongst homeowners as it creates the opportunity for a full-width space opening out onto the garden,” explains Edward Martin, co-founder of Delve Architects.

Through clever use of glazing and design, the new open space can be flooded with lots of natural light and can provide the perfect communal area for friends and family to gather. To inspire you, KBB journo Becca Cullum-Green has gathered some innovative projects…

1. Bold kitchen extension

More often than not, a side-return extension is used to open up a kitchen and transform it into a larger, more sociable area. Use this new space to express your personality and opt for a statement design. A green marble, which matches the island worktop, has become a focal feature of this extension and complements the brass island cladding.

2. Stripped back interior

Alternatively, you can take a more relaxed and pared-back approach like in this side-return extension project completed by Delve Architects. The structural beams have been left untouched and the exposed brick walls give the entire space a cool and contemporary feel.

3. Frameless glazing

Incorporating lots of glazing into a side-return extension ups the cost but enhances the overall look and finish. “We really like the sleek elegant minimalism of frameless glazing. This is more expensive than a framed glazed roof system though, so that also needs to be taken into account,” explains Jo Edwards, director of Edwards Rensen Architects.

4. Coloured glazing

Often, a popular choice for a rear extension is to open up the back of the building entirely and have one large piece of glazing. However, if this isn’t a look you want to go for, then you can choose a different approach. Why not opt for a coloured frame for your windows and doors for a unique and interesting design feature instead?

5. Indoor-outdoor feel

Having your kitchen open out directly into the garden is a luxury and gives you that indoor-outdoor feel that most people crave. So, when you’re planning the extension project, carefully consider glazing. Choosing a large swing or bi-fold door allows the space to feel completely open or fully enclosed, depending on your mood.

6. Extension skylights

The proposal for this semi-detached Victorian house was to build a kitchen extension at the rear, opening up the ground floor walls. The key features were a strip upstand skylight, two glass doors and a window seat. The addition of the skylight lets in lots of natural light and keeps the kitchen feeling light and bright.

7. Continuous flooring

Levelling out the floor between a side-return extension and the garden makes it feel like one large, open space, especially if you pick the same flooring throughout, like in this kitchen project by Peek Architecture.

8. Wall-to-wall cabinetry

There are lots of ways to utilise the extra space that a side-return extension offers, and using the entire length to fit in wall-to-wall cabinetry is a fantastic example. Having a roof light installed right above frames the space beautifully and floods the area with natural light.

9. Steel-framed doors

Steel-framed doors are a popular choice for rear extensions and for good reason. They still let in lots of light but add a sense of style and drama to a space, thanks to the bold framing. There are many designs you can choose from, including sliding and bifold, so it’s important to pick the one that suits your home.

10. Pitched roof

To give a side-return extension more height, a pitched roof can be implemented into the design. “The roof in this extension is pitched towards the edge of the existing outrigger and is expressed internally with a vaulted ceiling to the rear. This gives a wonderful volume to the dining area with a roof light perfectly framing the neighbouring bamboo and sky,” explains Stephanie Dale from Studio Webster Dale.

Enjoyed this post? Click here to find out why you should choose coloured steel beams for your extension

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