building upwards rather than outwards
Expand your indoor living area whilst retaining your outside garden space
If you own a small detached house or bungalow and need a bigger home, but neither moving nor extending outwards is suitable for your needs, then building upwards could be an option for you. Perhaps you want to increase the size and number of rooms within your property, without impacting on your outside space. Maybe you wish to maximise the current value of your home and make a sound investment for the future. Or, when it comes to extending your property, you would rather make the most of the building’s footprint with more cost effective, sustainable design solutions.
What are the benefits of an upwards extension?
Extending upwards enables you to create more floor space within a smaller building footprint. Unlike an outwards extension, it means that you can expand your indoor living area, whilst retaining your outside garden space. In addition to maintaining and maximising the floor plan of your house, making use of the existing structure and services can be more cost effective and time efficient than building a new property.
An upwards extension could also help you increase the existing value of your home; making it a potential investment for you. Transforming a small house or bungalow into a much larger property could make it more saleable and boost its prospective sale price. As well as improving its capacity to meet the changing needs of a growing family, it could give you more flexibility to downsize or relocate in the future.
bungalow before
bungalow after
In the example above, we transformed a pitched hip roofed bungalow in Brighton into a stylish 3-storey Art Deco home. Flat roof terraces maximise the ‘seaside’ nature of the property and take in the stunning sea views. From bungalow to art deco.
bungalow before
bungalow after
Here, a dramatic upwards extension transformed another Brighton bungalow into a modern ‘upside-down’ 3-storey house to optimise views and increase desirability in the local area. Highly insulated timber construction, high performance double glazing and under floor heating help save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Transforming a bungalow.
Points to consider when building upwards:
Do your research on the building and surrounding area. Note: upwards extensions are most suitable for small detached houses and bungalows but context is key. i.e. neighbouring properties will have influence on the likelihood of extending upwards – see examples.
Take account of your budget and whether or not an extension will add value to your property.
Check with your Local Planning Authority as planning permission is required for upwards extensions.
Seek advice from builders, architects and structural engineers before work begins as well as throughout the design and build process to ensure your specific requirements are met.
Make sure you have an idea as to how architects’ fees are calculated.
Choose materials and develop a design that will enhance and update the existing building.
Incorporate sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design and construction methods.
