The simplest type of extension – the single-storey kitchen extension. Imagine what you could do with a whole new space to the back of your property. Not surprisingly, there are so many options from open-plan to broken-plan; sky lights to full-length glazed doors; modern or traditional. But that’s the exciting bit, right?
A single-storey kitchen extension is a great option for a home with a large enough garden to steal some space from and if they go less than three metres from the rear wall of the original house (or under four metres on a detached property) then no formal planning permission is required and you can build under permitted development rights – wahey! Don’t forget to consult your local planning authority first though and check out Planning Portal for extra advice.
You might also like: The ultimate guide to planning a kitchen extension
There are some truly amazing projects out there to swoon over, so let me show you my favourite amazing single-storey extensions…
A single-storey rear extension to this terraced house in Wimbledon has created an open-plan kitchen-living-diner. Planning permission was sought for a 4m-long design with bi-fold doors and skylights. The project, by Vorbild Architecture, forms part of a complete home refurbishment that cost around £300,000. A combination of bi-fold doors and large skylights allows light to flood in.
This kitchen extension in Barnes, south west London, was designed to embrace the property’s urban surroundings. Plywood is combined with raw steel and concrete worktops, with units painted in Little Greene’s Three Farm Green for warmth, while rattan lampshades and furniture are combined with an upcycled mix of coloured chairs in the informal living area. Kitchens from The Main Company start from £25,000.
My favourite of this amazing single-storey extensions gallery – the owners of this south west London home wanted to create an industrial loft style in their new extension. A pitched roof, steel-framed glazing, and exposed brickwork form the shell of the new addition, while textures of rough sawn oak and matt lacquered units painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings were used in the kitchen. The design shown is Roundhouse’s Classic painted kitchen and Urbo handleless cabinetry, with worktops in Nero Granite with a Linen finish. Roundhouse bespoke kitchens start at £35,000. The extension was designed by 50degrees North Architects.
A simple way of achieving wow factor is to expose and showcase the structural elements of the build. In this extension to the home of Woodrow Architects’ founder in Hampton Hill, bold yellow steel beams, over-sailing timber rafters and plywood furniture create warm and playful spaces. The project, which included reconfiguring the entire ground floor and garden, cost £150,000. The kitchen cost around £8000, with carcasses and fronts from Ikea and worktops, bench and bespoke joinery all white oiled birch plywood.
A wraparound single-storey extension transformed the ground floor of this family home in London. The new open-plan kitchen-diner has clean lines, a linear layout, and monochrome fittings plus easy access to the rear garden. Projects by Simply Extend are priced from £62,400.
Featured image: This single-storey flat-roof extension has been faced with rendered walls and features expansive fixed glazing and bi-fold doors. Designed by McGuinness Architects Ltd, it included an internal remodel and loft conversion and cost around £30,000.
