Wrap Around Extensions: Planning an L-Shaped Addition to Your Home

a wrap around extension to a london home
(Image credit: Resi)

A wrap around extension, or L-shaped extension, usually refers to building an extension to the rear and side, wrapped in an L-shape around the existing home, adding both width and depth to the house. 

They are commonly seen on period properties with side returns, combining a side return extension with a rear extension to maximise the amount of space added. This can offer the room required to transform a small, narrow kitchen, for example, into a larger open plan space. 

Hugh Metcalf

Hugh is editor of sister title Livingetc.com and former digital editor of homebuilding.co.uk. He has worked on a range of home, design and property magazines, including Grand Designs, Essential Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Good Homes. Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture and green homes, and moonlights as an interior designer, having designed and managed projects ranging from single rooms to whole house renovations and large extensions. He's currently renovating his own Victorian terrace in Essex, DIYing as much of the work as possible. He's recently finished his kitchen renovation, which involved knocking through walls, and landscaping a courtyard garden, and is currently working on a bathroom renovation.