Extension Architecture in London

Extension Architecture in London

If you are looking to add value to your home or if you’ve outgrown the space you in live a home extension is the perfect solution to your needs. You will undoubtedly have seen the countless number of rear extensions popping on houses all over your local neighbourhood. Extensions have become so popular that they have even started their own terminology in the industry – Extension Architecture. As a residential architectural designer, we are perfectly placed to help you get on your way.

The information below will help to answer a few simple questions such as: What is extension architecture? Can I have an extension at my home? Who can help me with my extension?

What is Extension Architecture?

The term extension architecture is relatively young in its use within the architectural industry, but it is certainly gaining more traction every year. In its rawest breakdown it is simply the process of designing and constructing extensions. Due to the constraints of properties boundaries, the ever-growing need for more space and the spiralling cost of buying, moving, building a new home we are seeing more extensions being built than ever before.

With that comes the need for more professionals that handle this type of work and as such you will now see extension specialists that those that specialise in extension architecture. It may seem like a simple idea, after all what can be so hard about designing an extension? Well as with all aspects of architecture understanding the project brief is vitally important in achieving an effective design and therefore a satisfied client.

Extension architecture is no different, first we must understand our clients' desires from the project and couple this with an understanding of what is possible with regards to the host property and the local planning authority. Once we have done this we can let our creative ideas flow and look to produce a design that suits our clients’ needs exactly.

Of course, the introduction and its recent update to permitted development rights mean that it is also potentially easier than ever to have an extension approved and then built.

Can I have an extension built at my home?

Without knowing the exact conditions of your home in terms of its local planning constraints we can’t answer this question with full confidence, we can hover a broad overview of what you may be able to achieve.

As mentioned earlier having access to permitted development rights can make building an extension easier than ever. Provided that you fulfil the criteria set out within the guidance you go ahead and start the architectural process with full confidence that you will have no issues from the local planning authority.

If you do not have access to the rights or you simply are looking for something that is outside of this guidance, then you will only need to follow the route of obtaining planning permission. There is no need why that should be a detriment to your proposal it will simply require careful design and hopefully by an architectural practise specialising in extension architecture to achieve exactly what you are after.

GBS Architectural – How Can We Help You?

The above is a broad outline of a usually complex matter. Whilst permitted development is set out by the government through national legislation planning permission is subjective to each individual local authority, this is why applying strong extension architecture principles is important to a successful project.

As with any project what is on the outside is just as important as the inside, this is especially more important if we are looking to seek planning permission for an extension. Considerations must be made to material choices, overall massing, and the impact the works may have on your neighbors, but these are the challenges we love and our design process, experience and most importantly how we administer the principles of extension architecture means that we are perfectly placed to assist you in achieving your project goals.

Whilst we have been able to answer a few key questions about what extension architecture is, whether you can have an extension, and what potential options are available to you. We cannot answer in detail how your specific local authority will take a view on your proposal.

For us to give you these sorts of answers all you need to do is send us an email or give us a call and we would be happy to discuss your project with.

GBS Architectural is London based CIAT chartered residential architecture practise with offices in Wimbledon. We specialise in handling the entire architectural process (conception, planning, technical, tendering, contract administration/project management) of all residential projects such as house extensions, loft conversions, outbuilding designs, and bespoke residential new-build homes.

We provide a stress-free service that puts out client’s satisfaction at the forefront of our working relationship by acting as a single point of contact for our clients.

If you would like us to help you with a new or existing project, please do get in touch.