
12 Radical Extensions
12 homeowners who have increased their space with a contrasting build

Extending a home used to be a game of matching materials, studying brick bonds and calculating a similar roof pitch. Now, however, it has become increasingly popular to go for a contemporary and contrasting build to up your space.
It can be hard to nail, but these homes show how effective a radically different extension can be, when done well.
1. Let There be Light
Image above: These homeowners replaced a dated conservatory with a beautiful light-filled room to house a new kitchen and living area
2. Copper and Glass
The glass in this extension is interlaid with a copper mesh, which mimics the colour of the Georgian brickwork.

3. Clad and Colourful
Planning constraints meant that the 1950s frontage of this home had to be retained, so the owners built this striking colourful addition to the rear to create the space they needed.

4. Diligently Designed
It took three years to get planning consent for this wood clad extension in London. Carefully placed glazing allows the passage of light, whilst maintaining privacy.

5. Slate Effect
Floor to ceiling glass makes this angular extension a far cry from the Victorian terrace to which it is attached, but exposed brickwork has been used throughout the interior to tie the two halves of the house together.

6. Listed Cottage Extension
This understated, but attractive extension is connected to the Grade II listed cottage via a glazed link.

7. Conservation Area
Natural materials, such as the cladding, mean this large addition does not overpower the thatched cottage.

8. Modernist Appeal
Although this stylish build has more than doubled the size of the exisiting home, it is low elevation meaning it is discreetly hidden from view at the front of the home.

9. Multi-Storey Makeover
Not only have these homeowners added a rear extension to the ground and first floors, they were also able to extend the basement under permitted development rights to create a huge room that runs from the front to the back of the house.

10. Colour Pop
Once an ugly bedsit, this Victorian terrace has been extended and remodelled with extensive use of rooflights, on-trend materials and a palette of white and acid hues.

11. Midas Touch
The iconic modernist inspired work of Stan Bolt wonderfully juxtaposes the original Arts & Crafts home, but it is the gold-coloured, wing-like sculpture on top that brings an element of fantasy to this home.

12. 360° Extension
This sleek and uncluttered extension is the architectural opposite to the romantic fairytale water tower it is wrapped around.

Do you think matching or contrasting is the way to go with extensions?