Rear extensions
London architect guide
Inspiration and ideas
House and flat rear extensions are also about establishing a better relationship with the garden and this is something we always keep in mind when starting with your project.
Victorian houses used to have their utility areas at the back of the house and as a result the garden is often cut off from the main living areas and this is something we will look to address during the design development stage.
Because an architect designed rear house extension needs to be the sum of a variety of considerations, a response to the client brief, cost and quality requirements.
For this Rear extensions London architect guide we have selected some projects to lend architectural inspiration and design ideas for your rear extension.
GOAStudio London residential architecture
George Omalianakis, BA (Hons) B.Arch Pg Dip Environmental Design.
Chartered RIBA architect and ARB registered.
RIBA Conservation Registrant specialism in conservation areas, period and Listed buildings.
Residential expert contributor for magazines including Which? magazine and Ideal Home.
Last reviewed by George Omalianakis for GOAStudio: August 2026
Highgate conservation extensions renovation works to a family home by GOAStudio architects Rear elevations
Hammersmith architects house extension and renovation Rear elevation
Locally listed house extension architects Two storey rear and side extension in High Barnet EN5 – Pitched roof glazed roof
Kitchen extension Highgate Conservation Area N6 House renovation and contemporary design by GOAStudio architects – Side light rear light
Rear house extension Highgate Conservation area Haringey N6 by GOAStudio architects – Kitchen island and dining
Architect designed bungalow rear and roof extension Stoneleigh KT17 – East and West facing wings
Arnos Grove N11 bungalow house extension green renovation by GOAStudio architects Rear elevation
For more advice and information see the following:
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Do I need an architect for my extension or home project?
- Why work with an architect?
- How do architects calculate their fees?
Planning Portal
Rear extensions London architect guide – Design aspirations and key considerations
Modern lifestyles and family living require that a visual and spatial connection is established between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, and the rear part of the house.
When designing a rear extension an architect will try to open up the back wall, create long sightlines through spaces, establish views, and curve circulation paths between the internal and external spaces.
We will talk to you about what is important, and try to get a sense of how you would like to live, work, and play in your new environment. So, it is worth thinking about how you currently use your space, and how you would like to use any new space you choose to add.
Rear extensions London architect guide – Types and options for your home project
In pure design terms there are two main choices when considering a rear extension.
The geometry of the extension, the amount of space added, the use of the internal spaces and how they connect to the garden area will all depend on the particular requirements of the occupiers.
As a starting point though, and in design terms, we can define rear extensions as follows:
Traditional rear extension
A design that is in-keeping with the character of the existing house or flat, for example Georgian or Victorian.
Contemporary rear extension
A fresh addition that establishes a dialogue between tradition and modernity, and it reflects contemporary aspects of construction and design.
Variations on these two types of extension will depend on the specific character of the property, the design brief, and the architect’s consideration of any relevant construction, planning, or other restrictions.
No two properties are exactly the identical, and no two projects are the same when it comes to considering the individual preferences of every home owner.
Design development stage
During the design development stage we will get to explore lots of ideas but you can start the process now by considering answers to questions as such:
- “Would an open plan layout work for us or would we prefer the kitchen area separate from the rest of the living areas? Which areas are best left enclosed and which spaces can we open up?”
- “Should the kitchen area, the dining area, or the seating area be nearest to the rear garden? How does the sun move from dawn to dusk around the rear of the property, and how can we have best access to natural light?”
- “What is the feel we look to achieve with regards to natural light? Should we keep the amount of roof glazing to a minimum which will make the rear garden appear more spectacular (Theatre stage effect)? Or should we go for lots of roof glazing to create an outdoor effect? Where should the cosy areas be?”
- “How can we improve the garden and how can we blend the views from inside out and outside in when it comes to floor and wall finishes? What’s lacking in my relationship to my garden, and how do I want to use my outdoor space in the future?”
- “How will the family use the new space and how will it work in harmony with the adjacent living areas? Do we need overlapping family space as part of the new rear extension, a study or tv corner, and how will the circulation flow work for us?”
Read our guide for your single storey extension
Whether you want a spacious kitchen-diner, a light-filled family room, or better access to the garden, extending at ground floor level often provides the most cost-effective and planning-friendly way to improve how you live.
Read our guide for your double storey extension
Whether you’re adding a generous kitchen-diner on the ground floor with a new bedroom and bathroom above, or extending an entire wing for family space, a two storey extension makes better use of your site while maximising value and achieving construction efficiency.
Read our guide for your bungalow extension
Whether you need more natural light, better connection to your garden, or a flexible new bedroom or workspace, a carefully designed bungalow extension can help you stay rooted in the area you love while improving comfort levels and the layout of your home for the long term.
Read our guide for your wraparound extension
For terraced and semi-detached properties, especially in densely built areas, a well-designed wraparound extension allows you to rethink the entire ground floor adding floor area, improving flow, and connecting to the garden.
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GOAStudio London residential architecture limited.
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