Side return kitchen extension ideas are up there with the best ways to add extra space in an affordable way. Also referred to as 'infill side extensions' they make use of the space found between terraced or semi-detached houses
"If you live in a terrace house with a narrow side alley space, adding a side return extension can be a very effective way to widen and transform a traditional kitchen, to deliver a more spacious living area," explains James Dale, director at James Dale Architects. "By infilling the often-overlooked side alley, this type of extension allows a kitchen to be widened rather than simply extended, creating a more balanced and usable space."
While there is not always a huge amount of space to play with for a side return kitchen extension, our round-up of ideas shows how to make the very most of this often neglected area.
1. Use modern materials to define new from old
Using side return extension ideas that sit in contrast to the original building is often an approach that planners look very favourably upon these days – a way of defining the addition as something new.
One of the best ways of achieving this distinction between old and new elements is through your choice of materials – this way, the form of the existing house can be mirrored but in a contemporary manner – plus, many modern materials are perfect for drawing in lots of extra natural daylight.
This stunning side return kitchen extension idea, designed by Pace Architecture, is clad in zinc and features a full-height picture window which, in conjunction with the glazed ceiling, means the new kitchen-diner within is flooded with light.
2. Use a glass link for your side return kitchen extension
Large expanses of glazing work so well when it comes to side return kitchen extensions, pulling in light despite the lack of the wide open space that is usually required in order to make an extension feel bright and airy.
This kitchen extension, designed by Sketch Architects, has been added to the side of a previously dilapidated terraced house as a way not only of adding extra space but also to draw light into the remodelled interiors.
Full-height glazing connects the original and new sections, while the whole thing has been wrapped in timber cladding to soften the look and tie it into the garden space.
3. Add a pivot door to open up to the garden
Unlike rear or wraparound extensions, large-scale sliding and bifold doors won't always work for side return kitchen extensions due to their narrower proportions – a more creative approach is therefore needed.
In order to create the modern kitchen the homeowners craved for this project, architect James Dale responded by designing a side infill which features a large, frameless pivot door to connect the space with the garden and pull in plenty of light.
"A dark galley kitchen was reimagined as a bright, open-plan kitchen and living space through the addition of a side infill kitchen extension," picks up James Dale. "The new layout improves circulation and storage, creating an interior that is both more practical and more inviting.
"Carefully positioned glazing plays a key role in the transformation, with generous rooflights drawing daylight deep into the plan and a contemporary oriel window introduced at the rear elevation to create a unique connection to the garden."
The exterior of the new structure has been clad in eye-catching blue encaustic tile.
James Dale Architects are an established design practice based in north London, specialising in creating innovative, residential renovation and extensions for projects across London and the south east. All projects are design led with a contemporary approach internally and externally, resulting in reimagined modern dwellings.
4. Make structural elements a feature of your side return kitchen
When building an extension of any kind, it is not always necessary to conceal all the support work that has gone into creating it – in fact, leaving it exposed and turning it into a feature can be a great way to add character to the new space.
This side return kitchen extension, designed by James Dale Architects, combines a rear extension with a side infill to create a bright new kitchen space complete with large, sociable island.
Keen to include plenty of colour into the new room, the owners chose to paint the exposed steel beam between the two new additions a zingy shade of orange, which complements the blue kitchen perfectly.
5. Use angled side return glazing to increase the spread of light
If you don't include some form of glazing into your side return kitchen extension then you really are missing a fantastic opportunity to bring in additional natural light. There are many ways in which to add glass elements into your design too.
This new kitchen-diner has been formed using a side extension housing the dining area of the space, above which a bank of huge rooflights has been installed, shedding an enormous amount of light down onto this sociable area.
Thanks to the angle of the new ceiling glazing, the light not only benefits the dining space, but reaches into the kitchen too, in particular the large multi-tasking island where it is needed the most.
6. Incorporate articifical lighting into rooflights
Keen for their extension to give them a large, sociable kitchen-diner in what was previously a disjointed house lacking in light, the owners of this house appointed James Dale Architects to help.
Both a rear and side return kitchen extension have been added to create the new space with wide glazed doors opening up the side addition to the garden beyond.
A section of fixed ceiling glazing runs the depth of the extension to light the space further and has been fitted with spotlights that can take over the job of illumination once the sun sets.
7. Take architectural glazing to the max
Side return kitchen extensions are often pretty modest affairs, added in order to eek as much space as possible out of compact, terraced houses – but they are not always small and subtle, as this project, designed by Scenario Architecture proves.
This Victorian semi-detached house has been totally opened up from front to back in order to create a bright, modern home for family life. Part of its transformation was a brick-fronted side extension to provide a striking new kitchen-diner, complete with sliding doors.
Internally the space enjoys maximum light thanks to the huge amount of architectural glazing that has been incorporated into the design, both internally and externally.
8. Respect the fabric of the building
In some cases, creating something that sits wildly in contrast with the original building just isn't the order of the day – in which case finding ways to absorb side extensions smoothly into the existing interior scheme should be a priority.
The aim of the side kitchen extension to this Victorian terraced property, designed by Delve Architects, was to open up the kitchen with a spacious dining area at the same time as bringing a little extra light into the ground floor of the house.
Keen to incorporate restored original features within the renovation project, such as the metal patio doors, the interior scheme as a whole is bright and eclectic yet will stand the test of time.
9. Have fun with the roofline of a side kitchen extension
A side return kitchen extension need not be boring, as this unusual, striking design, by Scenario Architecture proves.
Designed as part of the expansion and renovation of a Victorian house, internally the layout has been designed to step down from the main kitchen area and houses a bright dining space, lit by a large picture window facing the garden and a wide modern window seat to the side.
Externally, the roofline features stepped brickwork, in keeping with the multi-level nature of the rest of the building.
10. Enjoy a symmetrical finish with a pitched roofline
Some of the most successful kitchen extension ideas combine both a side return extension as well as a rear extension – and this is definitely a great way to maximise space.
This kitchen-diner extension by Delve Architects has a pitched roof and projects out into the garden, onto a patio space, but has also made use of the previously wasted side passage that ran alongside the house.
Internally, the pitch of the roof has been left exposed, with the glazed section pleasingly mirroring the solid side opposite. Exposed beams, metal-framed doors and windows and industrial-style lighting complete the rustic look.
FAQs
How much do side return kitchen extensions cost?
Side return extensions can be one of the most cost-effective ways to add both space and value to a house.
Obviously the extension costs you end up facing will very much depend on its size, your location, the materials you use for its construction and any special features you need to take into account.
According to architect James Munro of Pace Architecture, expect to pay between £2,500 to £3,500/m2 plus VAT. If you plan on using it for a new kitchen, you will also need to factor in this cost.
Once you have your new space, make sure you really squeeze the most out of it with the right kitchen layout ideas. You will want to come up with designs that benefit from the additional light and views that the new structure will hopefully have given you.
