The Space You Already Have
Why A Side Return Extension Makes Sense
A side return extension fills the narrow alley running down the side of a Victorian or Edwardian terrace, most often to open up a cramped galley kitchen into a proper kitchen-diner.
It's one of the most cost-effective ways to add space, since you're building on land that's already yours and already doing nothing.
Built By People Who've Done This Before
Why Design United Studio
Our architects are RIBA and ARB registered, with experience from practices including Foster + Partners, and we're based in SW19 so we know how side return extensions typically play out across South West London's Victorian and Edwardian terraces. You can see examples of our work on the projects page.
How A Side Return Project Actually Runs
We start by walking the space with you and talking through how the new kitchen or living area should work.
From there we produce concept drawings, handle the planning route that applies, and prepare the technical drawings your builder needs, staying involved through construction so the finished space matches what was designed.
What Does A Side Return Extension Cost
Side return extension cost depends mainly on the size of the space, the structural work needed to open up the kitchen, and the finish you choose.
It's generally one of the more affordable extension types, since the structural changes are usually simpler than a full rear or wrap-around build.
We'll talk through a realistic figure for your house at the first consultation, rather than quoting a number that won't hold up once we see the site.
Bringing Daylight Into The New Space
Open-plan kitchen extensions often rely on structural steels to remove internal walls and large sliding or bifold doors to bring in light.
We prepare the structural calculations and building regulations drawings, working with engineers where needed, so the finished kitchen is safe and signed off properly.
How Long Does It Actually Take
Design and the planning route usually take a couple of months, faster if permitted development applies, longer if a full application is needed.
Once on site, most side return extensions take somewhere between 8 and 14 weeks to build, depending on the structural work and how much of the existing kitchen is being reconfigured.
Our Track Record
2
Hands-On Team
100+
Projects
99%
Planning Approval Success Rate
10+
Years in Practice
What our clients say
Jürgen Kuppers, Kirana Laonipon and the rest of the Design United Studio team have designed side return extensions for homeowners across London. Here's what a few of them said about the process, the cost, and the finished space.
"Jürgen at Design United Studio talked us through the whole side return extension before we committed to anything, including a realistic side return extension cost, not just a rough guess. The finished kitchen is exactly what he described."
"Kirana was brilliant at explaining the rooflight options for our side return extension. Design United Studio made the whole process feel a lot less daunting than we expected."
"We got quotes from a few architects before choosing Design United Studio, and Jürgen and Kirana were the only ones upfront about what a side return extension actually costs. No surprises once building started."
HANNAH D.
GREGG S.
MIKE H.
Straight answers before you call
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from Design United Studio to the questions homeowners ask most about side return extensions and side return extension cost, before they pick up the phone.
