Don't move... improve! Take inspiration from the most amazing new extensions in London

By Isabelle Fraser

A sun-filled extension in north London CREDIT: DAVID BUTLER

More of us are choosing to stay put and expand our homes rather than move house and cough up exorbitant fees and stamp duty.

In London, planning permissions to expand homes has increased hugely since 2012. In Kensington and Chelsea and the City of London last year, there were as many applications lodged as homes sold. A single-storey rear extension can add as much as 14pc to the value of a house, according to the consultancy Just Planning.

So perhaps it's time to take some inspiration from the winners of New London Architecture's annual competition to find the most imaginative extensions built in the capital.


A sunken bath tub in the garden

Extensions don't have to be plain old living rooms with side returns and bi-fold doors. This flat in Clapton, east London, won best overall design.

The sunken bath tub is encased by bamboo and glass
CREDIT: RADU PALICICA

Created by architecture firm Studio 304, it has a large, Japanese-style soaking tub sunk below ground level and encased in glass. The roof and windows are surrounded by bamboo slats to give the bather privacy, and it looks out onto the peaceful garden.

The sunken bath tub CREDIT: RADU PALICICA

A study hidden in the garden

In Vauxhall, south London, this study was built for £25,000 at the end of the garden. Named The Rug Room, it is where the owner makes rugs in front of a big picture window overlooking the house.

The Rug Room in Vauxhall CREDIT: DAMIAN GRIFFITHS

It was designed by Nic Howett Architects, and was awarded third place in the competition.

The peaceful study looks out on to the garden CREDIT: DAMIAN GRIFFITHS

Zinc cladding and white walls

Designed by architecture firm Kirkwood McCarthy, a dilapidated Victorian house in Muswell Hill, north London, was given an injection of light and a new lease of life.

An extension and a courtyard was added, giving the house more space and creating a sunny, open-plan living area.

The sunny-light filled living room CREDIT: DAVID BUTLER

A home filled with light

This derelict house in New Cross, south London, which was given a huge overhaul by Studio 30 Architects, has won the award for best value project.

Glass walls let the light in to the living room CREDIT:  SAM PEACHA

The area between the living room and the kitchen has a glass ceiling and large glass doors looking out to the garden, allowing light to pour in. The rooms have been carved out to create double-height gallery-sized walls for hanging art, and at the end of the garden sits a playhouse.

The exterior of the overhauled house CREDIT:  SAM PEACH

Minimal chic

This house in Marylebone has an extension designed by Patrick Lewis Architects, and came in second place. It takes inspiration from a crow’s nest, with hidden doors and windows, and was finished with blonde wood and white walls.

Inspired by a crow's nest, this minimal extension has hidden compartments and lots of light CREDIT: SIMON KENNEDY

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/uk/dont-move-improve-take-inspiration-amazing-new-extensions-london/