10 Side return Extension Ideas: Hear from the Experts
Planning to expand but challenged with limited space availability? Such a scenario is often frustrating, especially when you own the land and you have a growing family tree.
This is exactly why side return extensions are popular. They are among those extension types that essentially create space you may have never thought of. Get to know the top side return extension ideas that can open new avenues for a comfortable living.
This is exactly why side return extensions are popular. They are among those extension types that essentially create space you may have never thought of. Get to know the top side return extension ideas that can open new avenues for a comfortable living.
Be it a side return kitchen extension or side return open-plan, when it comes to side return extension ideas, they are an exciting way to create that extra space in an unused area. They often cut across narrow alleys at the side or an unused space at the rear and can transform them into an expanded area for an airy and comfortable living experience.
Be it a side return kitchen extension or side return open-plan, when it comes to side return extension ideas, they are an exciting way to create that extra space in an unused area. They often cut across narrow alleys at the side or an unused space at the rear and can transform them into an expanded area for an airy and comfortable living experience.
Well, this depends upon the type house and the space. First of all, side return extensions are popular not only for their efficient use of space but also for their cost-effectiveness. They differ from rear extensions and wrap around extensions by not consuming the garden space and instead helps conserve it.
They not only add huge habitable space within the living area, but they do it without compromising the exteriors. A side return kitchen extension is the most sought-after extension of all types when it comes to side return extension ideas apart from the open-plan living. So, if you are looking to add more natural light into your dark, cluttered space or are looking for an open-plan living means then side return extensions can be perfect.
What Type of Houses are Best Suited for Side return Extensions?
Typically, terraced houses and semi-detached houses are best suited for a side return extension.
With terraced houses, especially Victorian terraced properties are designed such that natural light inflow is highly restricted and do not flow well. Most Victorian terraces built in the late 50’s and 60’s are built with extensions that are narrow and at commendable length as a strip at the side of the built-in house. This makes an ideal space for those who are looking to extend outside to create additional living space. This space usually can be an extended living room or a kitchen-diner.
When it comes to semi-detached houses, even with a minimal width and a single storey a side return extension can do wonders, but not without a wrap-around extension. This is because given the very small scope to extend, a standalone side-return may be a hassle. Combining a side return with a larger rear extension is a good and efficient option.
10 Ideas for Side return Extensions
- Create an Open-plan Living If you have compartmentalised your living and reception room, then knocking down one of the internal walls at the side will open up a huge canvas for seamless flow and connection. Using large double-glazed windows and patio doors at the extension means maximum inflow of natural light into your house and easy access to the garden area too.
- Natural Light – A Must Part of your Plan Regardless of the extension, if you are pushing windows further towards the outside will result in reduced natural light into your living space. So, you need to have a plan ready. Plan for glass beams or roof lights. Glass beams are hardened more and can sustain good amount of pressure/load. Also, because they come without a frame makes it more penetrative for sunlight to flood your space.
- Use Flooring to Connect Once you add an extension, it inadvertently seems like a separate part of your house. Let that not be the case. Add similar flooring throughout the house including the newly extend portion. This provides continuity and flow to your house and creates great cohesion throughout. This also transforms every corner and section of your house as one whole area.
- Focus on the Middle Portion If you own a Victorian house, a side return extension will often leave out the middle part of your house dark and gloomy. So, in such cases think of adding a courtyard at the centre. This will help form a connection to the outdoors whilst giving ample natural light. Add small plants and indoor gardening to make it more refreshing and decorative.
- Make it a Utility Room Did you know that utility rooms have found increased adoption with side return extensions? Yes, most homeowners make use of a utility room to hide the mess usually found in the kitchen or in the bath. You can optimise the space behind the stairs to place daily necessities such as the dishwasher, washing machine, or a vacuum cleaner. If your side return is compact and accommodating the above is a challenge, then you have to be careful in choosing the type of equipment you want to keep in your utility room. Cupboards that reach to the ceiling can be a good option as it can accommodate more items though small of sizes. Equipment such as soaps, mops, brush, liquids, iron boxes, iron boards can be part of your utility room which can make the living area clutter free.
- Minimise the Cost Glazing can consume a good part of your budget. Try reducing the number of glazing and open exteriors only where you need them. Opt for standard glazing such as stock skylights than the customised ones. Incorporate readily available materials such as reclaimed wood, brickslips, fiber cement board, exposed concrete. They not only offer easy maintenance with affordability, but also are classy when finished.
- Make it Energy Efficient A side return kitchen extension involves extending the kitchen to form a larger diner space. This also means there will be addition of windows and possibly incorporating underfloor heating. So, this is an opportunity go for sustainability by opting for heat pumps instead of boilers and installing solar panels on the roof making for an ideal side return kitchen extension.
- Install Patios & Bifolding Doors Patio doors and bifolding doors are great choices for a side return extension as they facilitate for seamless transition between your living space and the garden space. Such installations create a open & airy living experience by eliminating any barriers and make way for the perfect family setting.
- Design & Style When installing patios and bifolding doors go for minimalistic design. Let the frame be almost invisible and have wide glass panels for maximum light inflow. Bifolding doors save you good amount of space than sliding doors, and French patios offer you that classic feel to your area.
- Make it Dramatic If light is not your concern, then go for black steel-frame for patio doors. They still let in good light but also add great style and drama. Pitched roofs, vaulted ceilings, and bay windows all create the feeling of a larger space. Use of heritage-styled elements and cladding materials will give a stylish look. Zinc-clad, brick clad all are great options.
Conclusion:
Most side return extensions are tricky to pull off as they are usually done on terraced homes. If your focus is a side return kitchen extension, then piling too many accessories or for example wall units in the kitchen will clutter the space. Opting for glass designs for kitchen wall cabinets helps create an open feel. Incorporate matching materials and continuous flooring. They give oneness and continuity whilst creating a harmonious feel to your space.
Looking for more solutions for your intricate side return extensions? Reach out to our experts.
