Cube’s expert extension explainer

“We need more space!” is what the majority of enquiring customers say to us in their initial consultation. Our proposals are always as unique as the homes themselves and whenever an extension is on the cards, we’re looking for bespoke ways to unlock space and improve the everyday living experience for our customers.

Many homes benefit from an extension when their spatial potential is far from maximised. In this blog we’d like to take you through the main extension options from side return to wrap-around extensions – no waffly jargon, just simple explanations along with illustrations by our architects to bring each extension type to life.    

Add more space, more value and more joy to your home without the hassle of moving house. Cube has extended clients’ imaginations up and down the road from Berkshire to Surrey, Kingston upon Thames and Richmond. 

Our end-to-end extension service focusses on achieving your vision, whilst planning for larger, more energy-efficient spaces, providing plenty of light and ways to connect the indoors with the outdoors. It’s fair to say that an extension to any home can not only be life-enhancing but also a wise investment:   

REAR EXTENSIONS

As the name suggests, a single-storey rear extension is built at the back of your property spreading into the patio or garden area to give you more room inside. They’re the most common house extension type given it’s rare that the front of the house offers enough room for an extension. 

Rear extensions can either be single or two-storey, offering you more room as well as plenty of options to repurpose the existing and new space. Cube has designed some fantastic rear extensions that have literally transformed homes inside and out. Windows and doors play a huge part in keeping an airy, open feel throughout and make up for any garden space you’ve given up.

Best for…

• making your open-plan living space dream come true;
• families and pets;
• entertaining space; and
• ‘zoning’ to create different areas.

Rear extension inspo from Cube’s portfolio:

• New Malden
• Hinchley Wood
• Teddington
• Walton-on-Thames
• Hampton Hill

SIDE RETURN EXTENSIONS

This extension type is most commonly added to Georgian, Victorian and other period properties. Side return extensions beautifully fill and utilise underused side passages alongside the house and expand its width. Although they tend to be a relatively small extension, they can have a great impact on your home for example turning an otherwise cramped kitchen into a spacious kitchen/diner in which to entertain.

Best for…

• utilising ‘dead space’;
• accommodating a larger kitchen and dining area;
• tighter budgets.

Side return extension inspo from Cube’s portfolio:

• Kew
• Weybridge

WRAP-AROUND EXTENSIONS

On a number of occasions Cube has advised clients to combine a side return and rear extension. The shape of the extension looks like a capital letter ‘L’ wrapping around your property hence it’s referred to as an ‘L-shape’ or ‘wrap-around’ extension. 

Detached homes that could do with more square footage and period properties with alleyway space down the side are asking for a wrap-around extension. Your home will gain both length and width, giving you plenty of options as to what you can do with the additional space. 

Wrap-around extension inspo from Cube’s portfolio:

• Kingston upon Thames
• Surbiton
• Thames Ditton
• Wimbledon

DOUBLE-STOREY EXTENSIONS

Imagine one of the three extension type shapes (rear, side return or wrap-around) we’ve taken you through above extended over two floors as opposed to one. You’ll gain double the space without doubling your project budget. There’s a great transformation story in our portfolio which takes us to Ickenham in Middlesex where we turned a semi-detached bungalow into a two-storey property.

EXTENSION ROOF TYPES

You may feel spoilt for extension type choices already but there’s more choice to come when you’re looking at the different roof finish options available. It’s an important decision, so let’s see which style catches your eye:

FLAT ROOFS
Flat roofs are a cost-effective option for single-storey extensions. Bear in mind though that they give extensions a lower ceiling height and tend to have a shorter lifespan.

Flat roof extension

Flat roof rear extension

Flat roof infill extension

Flat roof wrap-around extension

PITCHED ROOFS
Although often a bigger investment than flat roofs, pitched roofs provide an extended lifespan and are more energy-efficient as they can accommodate more insulation.

Pitched roof infill extension

Pitched roof wrap-around extension

Pitched roof with flat roof wrap-around extension

Double pitched roof extension

Double pitched roof wrap-around extension

Crown roof extension

Planning permission

“Oh, did someone mention ‘planning permission’?” we hear you say! Well, you’re not to worry as the Cube team has dealt with all sorts of planning permissions, including many of those that are often perceived as a massive headache. As part of our end-to-end services, Cube will handle every stage of your build process, including planning permission. 

Design. Manage. Build. That’s what we do best, so get in touch for a free no-obligation consultation for your build project:

E: space@cubelofts.co.uk
T: 020 8432 9676