Extensions: the latest trends

While most contemporary extensions are a world away from those awkward structures that attempt unsuccessfully to blend in with an existing building, they've moved on from the ultra-modern glass boxes and mixed materials of the past few years. 'People are still happy to change the structure of a building and do something a bit more dramatic, but purity is a big trend, and using lots of different materials is less fashionable than it has been,' says architect Guy Morgan-Harris. 'Instead, opt for something more refined. Pure white-rendered extensions work well on period houses, or choose a design clad entirely in timber.'

Judith Tugman of Architect Your Home agrees: 'Clients want simple, light, airy spaces – a blank canvas they can decorate and personalise. We're using natural materials to create modern extensions that are warm and functional.'

With more people working from home, studies are becoming an increasingly popular reason to extend. 'We have lots of clients who want a work space that can be hidden away at the fold of a lever,' says Guy. 'Many people are also converting rooms at the front of the house into an office, and redesigning the back of the house as the main living space. As a result, having your audio-visual equipment, plasma screen, lighting and Wi-Fi integrated into the structure is a clever idea.'

Unsurprisingly, there's also been a big move towards sourcing more environmentally sound materials, and government regulations mean that any new structure must adhere to energy-saving guidelines. 'Materials such as bamboo, which is affordable, durable and eco friendly, are very popular, and people are also requesting low-VOC paints,' says Guy. 'One in four lights in new structures should be low energy, and proper insulation is also key. In the long run, of course, all of these elements will cut down your energy bills as well.'

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