Seeking single storey extension ideas? Here's 12 that are the perfect match if you're looking for a stylish, light and characterful partner for your home

white clad single storey extension set at angle to house, with pitched sloping roofs coming downwards to central point, large sliding doors leading to patio and garden, brick semi detached property with loft conversions
Single storey extension ideas can be bold, daring and innovative (Image credit: Mulroy Architects/Dan Glasser)

If you're feeling cramped or crowded in your current home, single storey extension ideas can be a great way of adding space to your main living areas. And, regardless of the direction in which you extend, whether it's the side, rear or both, their single status doesn't have to mean they are plain or boring.

In fact, the opposite is often the case. Building an extension that's single storey can provide a wealth of opportunities to use unusual shapes, finishes and glazing. Inside, depending on the purpose of the new space, equally as many opportunities exist to create a design that truly makes a mark.

black and white headshot of male with short dark hair and facial hair, smiling and wearing dark coloured top
George Bradley

George Bradley is a founding director of Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects, the award-winning London-based studio he established with Ewald Van Der Straeten in 2010. The practice is known for its joyful, imaginative architecture, specialising in the transformation and extension of private homes. Bradley Van Der Straeten was named Interior Designer of the Year at the 2024 British Homes Awards and is celebrated for turning complex briefs into creative, human-centred solutions.

female with long blond hair in loose plait, smiling and wearing white shirt
Delphine Dryer

Delphine is a director at CDC studio, citing her love of Scandi design, modern design and St Ives School Artists.

male with grey beard and moustache wearing navy top stood against wooden shingled wall
Stuart Archer

Stuart Archer is a co-founder and director of Archer + Braun, established in 2017. They are a small practice of two people that is founded on a mutual passion for approachable, contemporary and contextual architecture. Archer + Braun have worked on a variety of projects for public, private and commercial clients. They have a particular interest in sensitively integrating contemporary interventions with period and listed buildings and have undertaken projects across the UK.

Sarah Harley
Assistant Editor

Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.