14 Inspiring Self-Build or Extension Design Ideas

We love designing self-builds, who are we kidding… we love designing full stop. But, if you are lucky enough to be able to build your dream home from scratch, it doesn’t get much more exciting.

Developing a detailed brief with your architect is an essential stage of your build process; communicating your needs and having these understood is paramount! You get to decide how your house will look, perform and function. You are in control of the budget.

Putting extra thought into the small details will make your new home truly exceptional. We love working with clients to help their dreams come to life, so we’ve put together some inspirational self-build design ides to get your creative juices flowing.

#1 How about a sunken bath?

Now, we LOVE a nice freestanding roll-top bath or a trendy ‘egg’ shaped bath. However, there’s something about incorporating a sunken bath into your self-build or home renovation design that gives off such an exquisitely opulent, organised feel. When the lighting is right, your bath can become a real treasure in your home. It doesn’t take much designing in and this element could really make your home stand out from the rest. Imagine stepping down into a large, warm bath, filled by a generous waterfall tap… heaven.

#2 Timber cladding, inside!

With the rise in popularity of the ‘Scandi’ design style, earthy, natural feeling spaces are so fashionable. What’s more, they just make you FEEL so good. The warmth, texture and colour brought by wood cladding is so refreshing. Another good thing about interior timber cladding is it can fit a traditional or a modern taste pallet. Talk to your architect about how best to incorporate internal wood finishes, it may sound trivial but when it is planned well, it can look incredible!

#3 Not just a kitchen island…

Installing a kitchen island has become a bit of a must when designing a kitchen. We love the idea of getting creative with your island. Making your kitchen island a focal point will create a real stand out space for entertaining. Huge, sweeping designs can also add masses of storage! Have a look at our pinterest boards for further kitchen inspiration.

#4 Booze, glorious booze!

Displaying your collection of wines, spirits or beers has become a very fashionable, and, we have to admit, satisfying thing to do. Loads of our clients are designing wine fridges or racks into their kitchens. If you have the luxury of the space and it’s something that floats your boat, why not think about making a feature of your collection? We’ve designed wine storage to meet traditional tastes as well as crisp, modern looks and we have loved all of them.

#5 Hidden ceiling lighting

Adding some secret, hidden LED lighting is a fantastic way to soften a space and create a warm, inviting, homely feel. This can also be a nice opportunity to add some colour to your interior design scheme too! Thinking about this at this stage allows you to incorporate crevices for lighting in your build, making it much easier and cheaper to install.

#6 Wood storage

Like most of our clients and us, you probably love the romantic idea of a wood burner. They are becoming more and more popular and for good reason: they are good for the soul! If you haven’t already read about the Danish idea of Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”), get reading. What freedom is to Americans, Hygge is to the Danes. The idea of Hygge is about finding joy in simple, cosy things such as: candles, blankets, fireplaces and so on. There is even a word for that favourite pair of jogging bottoms that you would only wear in the comfort of your own home – “Hyggebusker”. To us, a crackling fire surrounded by neatly organised wood piles is the epitome of cosy calm. Thinking about incorporating wood storage into the design of your home takes it from a pile to a beautiful feature.

#7 Pocket doors? What are they?

Pocket doors are a stylish space saving solution. They slide effortlessly into your wall, removing the space reduction and layout limitations of an opening door. Plus, we think they look pretty stylish. You’ll need to think about having your architect design these in as the adjacent wall will need a cavity for the door to slide into and you’ll need to avoid any plumbing and wiring.

#8 Non-standard doorways

Pocket doors could be really effective with a non-standard doorway. Thinking outside the box on door openings could create a truly exceptional space. A standard door opening is great but imagine one that mimics the angles and lines of your roof or windows. Or perhaps a curved opening could add a softer touch to your design?

#9 Stylish storage

If, like us, you love everything to have a place; it is well worth considering your built-in storage early on in your design process. When building a new extension or self-build home, you have the perfect opportunity to create storage that is perfect for your belongings. You could make an inventory of any bulky items or things you have a lot of (shoes for example) and then think about where they would be used and how you could create a stylish storage solution within your design.

#10 Relaxing window seats, with a view…

The window seat always adds a traditional, peaceful, elegant touch. We’ve incorporated a lot of these into our extension designs recently. A window seat can turn your open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner into a tranquil haven for you and your family. Incorporating one or more of these in your self-build project can add a special space for you to sit, reflect and deeply enjoy the space that you have created. If you love your garden, can you imagine anything more satisfying than sitting on a rainy day and looking out onto your hard work? See our post on window choices to add some even more exciting dimensions to this idea!

#11 Marvellous mezzanines

Our team get a little excited if a client mentions the word ‘mezzanine’. There is something beautifully dramatic about creating a grand, yet practical split space. Utilising a mezzanine floor as your office, play or relaxation space means that you can incorporate a vaulted ceiling without feeling overpowered by the enormous space. When you incorporate a high-volume ceiling, this also gives you the opportunity to use giant, invigorating windows. Winner!

#12 Work with nature

If you are building a self-build project or adding an extension, looking at the natural make-up of the plot is vital. Trees and other natural elements don’t have to be a hindrance. Try working alongside your architect to use these elements as starting points for your design. Obviously, careful consideration and planning needs to go in to designs around trees; roots can require engineered and creative solutions!

#13 A sheltered outdoor space

By continuing an interior wall to the outside of your home, you can break down boundaries between the garden and your home. In Newcastle and the North East, also adding a covered area for shelter from the elements is great common sense too. If you incorporate bifold or sliding doors/windows, these outside spaces can make your new space feel gigantic.

#14 Outdoor fireplace

If you love relaxing outdoors but are realistically pessimistic about the amount of time you can spend doing this in Newcastle, an outdoor fireplace might be for you. Chimeneas and firepits are readily available in DIY stores, however an integrated fireplace outdoors would make an incredible centrepiece for entertaining or relaxing after a long day. You could even ensure that the fire was visible from both inside and out.

The Team @ Acre Design hope we have given you some food for thought! Please check out or latest projects if you’d like to see more of what we’re made of. Our Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook pages are all brimming with extension, loft conversion and self-build inspiration too!

Your home extension project: Choosing the right windows

Lots of our clients ask us about glazing and how to make the right choices. Whether you are working with an architect to build a new build house, convert your loft, add space with a single or two storey extension or create a sunroom/orangery; window choices can often make or break an architectural design.

Windows are also a big part of your build budget, so we understand that getting it right is vital! Large windows often take centre stage in the facades of modern design, which means that energy efficiency and thermal performance needs serious consideration. Research is key. Acre Design are Newcastle’s leading architectural designers and we are here to help!

Inspiration in the North East and Newcastle

We don’t have to look far from our front doors to find some exceptional examples of stunning, efficient and innovative glazing solutions:

The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre in Hexham, Northumberland is a purpose build visitor centre which promotes the local landscapes. The glazing meets the highest standards of sustainability (a focus of the project) whilst standing strong against the unpredictable and harsh elements in the area. With The Sage (Gateshead), The Baltic, Newcastle City Library and The Centre for Life (Newcastle) also leading the way with innovative glazing solutions, we really are spoilt for inspiration here, in Newcastle.

Which is the right window style for your home?

Room layouts and the shape of your house itself will greatly inform the positioning and size of windows, unless you are designing a self-build home of course. Whether you are building a new build, extension or loft conversion, we always consider the style of the property when presenting glazing solutions. For example, an old cottage would not suit extra large glazing forced into thick stone walls. However, a contemporary, single-storey home would be improved by this style of window. This is where the classical architecture idea of the golden ratio is a helpful tool. The ratio proportions should be 1:1:618, meaning a vertical sash window, for example, should be 1300mm tall if it is 800mm wide.

What about different window styles?

Fixed windows do not open or let in ventilation, their function is to let in natural light and maximise views from your property. Without the need for an opening mechanism, these windows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and you can get really creative with them. We love to use these in stairways in particular, providing light and decoration in an otherwise often wasted space.

Another option, useful for kitchen design and extensions, if the fixed and operable splashback window. Much like the glass or tiles you can fix behind a surface such as a sink or cooker, you can also have splashbacks that double as a window. They come in two forms: fixed or operable. These showcase your views, invite natural light in and provide extra ventilation (if operable of course). These are perfect for dimly lit kitchen spaces and they are practical, stylish and modern.

Now, if you love bringing the outside in to your garden but do not have the floorspace for bifold doors, bifold windows could be a viable and satisfying option. Allowing you to open the window entirely, they are refreshing, modern and very stylish.

Rooflights or skylights bring so much natural light to a new space where a conventional window just wouldn’t fit. There are so many options to choose from here, depending on your taste and the style of your property. Flat glass rooflights are modern and minimalistic, with a low-profile flat glass plane. They are unobtrusive but provide a great deal of natural light. Polycarbonate domes also provide a lot of natural light and are a great low-cost solution. We’ve used roof lanterns and pyramids in many of our orangeries and extensions – they are large and beautifully decorative, creating a contemporary and open feel to your space. Sliding rooflights are a nice ventilation option. If you’re considering incorporating a balcony above, walk-on rooflights are completely safe to walk on. This means that you can utilise the roof space of your new extension with a balcony above. For awkwardly shaped spaces, we love suntubes – they let in an incredible amount of light and are becoming very popular here, in Newcastle.
Sash windows are often a beautiful, traditional addition to a new build home and are an essential factor if you are renovating a Georgian or Victorian home – a popular housing style in Newcastle Upon Tyne. They come in non-standard sizes and are often bespoke for each project. We love the feeling of lifting a sash window to feel fresh air rush into a room.

Another traditional British option, also very common in Newcastle, are open-out casements, which come in a range of forms. Large casements are often the cheapest and these are usually standard sizing so a lot cheaper to source and fit. These are great for ventilation, opening really wide. However, if you have a young family or animals in your home, you need to think about safety catches for this reason.

If you love the Continental style, tilt and turn windows might be for you! This style of window opens inwards and provides a tilt option for secure ventilation. Often, these windows suit a more modern design and they are great for a smaller room.

How about triple glazing?

Triple glazed windows are the new standard in today’s windows. They are great for noise reduction and energy efficiency. Some suppliers can even offer special coatings to allow solar gain when required – utilising the sun’s heat when it is wanted in the winter but minimising overheating in the summer. We have found this is near-essential on elevations receiving a lot of direct sunlight, but you may not need to spend the money here on elevations where sunlight is rarely directed.

Traditional style homes

Choosing appropriate materials is vital if you’re building a period style self-build home or renovating your older style home. Timber window casements and sash windows are the usual choices for these styles. PVCu is a great choice but replicating a traditional wood grain finish is pretty tricky. It can be quite the challenge to find the perfect period style windows, so we recommend starting your research as soon as possible. Acre Design can help with this.

Contemporary homes

The size of windows we use has grown rapidly over time as glazing methods evolved and larger panes became affordable. A minimal amount of frame is very desirable in contemporary builds, with aluminium frames rising in popularity. We often find, the more modern the house or extension, the bigger and cleaner the glazing should be.

Which material should I choose?

Alloy, metal or fibreglass windows are really popular in contemporary-style houses, though they are not as thermally efficient as wood. GRP (fibreglass) can create a strong load-bearing frame, which is great when you are renovating or extending, and these come in a huge range of colours! This style is really low maintenance and allows for a very small frame around the glazing if this is desired. Though this is an expensive option, the aesthetic rewards are huge.

PVCu or plastic windows are a quick and easy option, whilst being low-maintenance and cost efficient!

A main advantage of timber windows is the authentic feel offered to period style homes. You just can’t replicate the feel of timber windows. They may require a little more maintenance and will be more expensive than other options however, so it is a decision worth taking some time over.

Using composite windows is a great compromise solution if you are undecided. This style mixes framing materials, usually weather-proof capping (aluminium or plastic) over a timber frame. These are great for longevity and withstanding harsher weather and are a low maintenance option which also provides the insulation pros of timber. These can be a pricey choice, so again, a great deal of thought and research is recommended.

We hope that you find this information helpful, at Acre Design Newcastle we are passionate about all things glazing and would love to discuss your project with you in detail.

Take a look at our recent projects for further inspiration! Get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home!

Self Projects: Let's get started.

There’s no greater space than one created specifically to meet the needs of you and your family and it doesn’t have to cost the Earth. In fact, cutting out developers and creating a self-build will not only leave you with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction but could also save you big bucks. If you’re ready to take this creative and innovative plunge, we’ve put together some money-saving ideas to ensure your budget goes even further. ..

Planning and Preparation

Before you begin the design process, it’s a really good idea to consider the garden and surrounding features. There are the obvious choices to make: views, south-facing gardens and so on but further to this, recycling already established plants and tress is a really cost- effective strategy. Plants don’t have to remain in situ however, digging them up and keeping them well for replanting post-build could save you some cash at the garden centre! This, coupled with keeping the spoil (what’s dug from the land to fit the foundations) could save you a small fortune. Not only can spoil removal cost thousands but re-purchasing soil for landscaping can run up a hefty bill too. While we are talking horticulture, another great solution for a soakaway is to have a pond. If the pond is set 600mm below the surrounding ground and the surrounding banks are planted up, heavy rain could make the water level rise but it will then disperse into the surrounding soil.

When designing your space, ensuring it suits your needs entirely is a must and at ACRE we are experienced in understanding the needs of our clients. Many things must be considered in the initial design stages. The lounge is one example where focal points can often compete for space in this busy living area; simply situating the fireplace in the corner of the room (as opposed to the traditional centred wall fireplace) eliminates the problem. Not only does it reduce cold spots either side of the fire but it allows wall space for large windows, sofas, a television, storage or whatever you are passionate about! This is a the beauty of the self-build: we can help you achieve the perfect space, forget the ‘norm’ and build the perfect house for you.

Insulation Essentials

From a cost saving perspective, as well as an eco-sensitive one, insulation is a vital consideration. Further to the obvious use of insulation, simple additions can make a huge difference; for example insulating your bath with mineral wool insulation behind the panels (as long as it isn’t freestanding of course) ensures your water stays warmer for longer – especially handy if you have a few children to bathe!

As we all know, insulation is key for cost-savings with heating but here’s another cheap consideration – sound insulation for stairs in your self-build. Though this would allow an easier entry for teenagers sneaking home later than planned, a ‘silent staircase’ could make a huge difference to the peace in your home. This can be achieved ridiculously easily by stuffing the underside of the staircase with wool insulation before boarding stairs – obviously this wouldn’t be compatible with an open staircase however. This is another area where the team at ACRE understanding your needs entirely can help make sure these kind of elements are included in your designs.

Equipment equals ease

In rainy climates such as ours, laying concrete can be problematic which is why hiring a concrete pump is one of our top recommendations for self-builds. They can be costly at around £500 a day but they allow for large amounts of concrete to be laid in one day and avoid damage which can be caused by lorries, dragging concrete and bad weather.

Using manpower alone to put up trusses and steel joists in particular can be a time-consuming and dangerous task, which is why we would recommend hiring a crane for this, and at around £500 per day it’s well worth the spend. It’ll keep the job moving forward, cause the least aggro and remove potential damage – to your build and body parts!

Detailed design

Lastly, we cannot stress enough the benefits you’ll see when appointing ACRE as your designer. With detailed plans, developed with your dream in mind, your home can be built within budget and without nasty surprises.

Thinking of Self Building? A few tips to get you started.

Your home extension: external finishes and render options

The two main reasons for applying an external finish on a residential building is:

To protect the wall of the building from the effects of weathering, for example from the force of rainfall
To make the building aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Types of External Renders

Acrylic Render

Acrylic render is normally applied as a very thin finish layer to improve aesthetic appearance of the building’s face and is very popular in modern day residential construction. When the acrylic material is made, small fibres are added in order to give a durable finish and to prevent cracking once it has been applied to the building. Silicone is also used in the process giving the product longer life span and the ability of self-cleaning.

Plasterer\’s Company Website

Cement Render

Cement used to render a building is mixed on-site and this material is usually given 3 or 4 layers of application onto the building face, then the top coat is given a shiny, polished finish. The materials used to mix and create the cement are cheap however the labour is very expensive and this type of render usually requires frequent repainting to maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Concrete Company Website

Lime Render

Lime render is available in many different formats, such as lime putties or bagged hydraulic limes. This material is more difficult to apply and a little more expensive than other materials like Portland cement. Lime render also must be mixed on-site.

Building suppliers’ website

Monocouche Render

Monocouche render is supplied in a bag ready to be mixed with water and applied by hand trowel or usually sprayed on to the wall surface. This render is pre-coloured in a variety of different colours with a weatherproofing layer. It also contains additives making the material more likely to eliminate cracking, with the ability to also be self-cleaning. Using a monocouche render can be expensive to buy the materials, but it is easy to apply therefore it reduces labour costs without the need for any subsequent painting.

Product news website

Polymer Render

Polymer renders material is sold in pre-mixed quantities, available in a variety of different colours and based on either white cement or lime. During the production of the material, polymers and other plastic-based products are added in order to make them less prone to cracking, enhancing the life span of the finish.

INFORMATION ON TYPES OF EXTERNAL RENDERS

Types of External Cladding

Timber cladding

Timber cladding is a very popular cladding material, particularly around residential buildings, as it gives off the feel of a traditional timber frame and gives a very natural aesthetic to a building exterior.

Advantages of Timber Cladding:

Easily installed– Timber is a very lightweight material, making it easier to handle for labourers so they can install it faster. This makes it a cost-effective cladding material as construction costs are reduced.
Energy efficient – Timber is a very good insulating material and with a lower thermal conductivity than materials like steel and concrete, it reduces energy consumption of the building that is required to be heated and cooled. This is another reason why timber cladding is a very cost-effective material.
Environmentally friendly – Timber is a renewable resource whereas many construction materials are non-renewable. In addition, timber is 100% recyclable making it one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available.
Flexible – Timber is a very versatile material as it can be cut and trimmed into any shape to meet the clients demands, it is also available in different pattern styles.
Very durable – Timber cladding can last for many years if it is maintained regularly and with the correct cleaning methods, and scratches or grazes are not as prominent as they would be on other cladding materials. Timber usually goes through manufacturing processes to enhance its durability and making it more resistant to fire, however there are lots of timber species such as Western Red Cedar or Douglas fir that naturally last longer than other types of wood.

Concrete cladding

Concrete cladding is usually considered a material to be used in commercial building and is manufactured in the form of cladded tiles. These tiles are cut in a limited number of shapes and they also take longer to install therefore labour costs will be higher. Concrete cladding tiles are very strong, durable and only require a very small amount of annual maintenance.

Fibre cement cladding

Made up of a combination of cellular fibre, compressed sand, water and cement creating wet sheets, fibre cement cladding is a low cost of cladding sheet. It is very easy to install and can come in a variety of different colours and effects, with the material being painted or stained in the factory. Maintenance is not a big issue with this material as it only requires a small amount of annual cleaning and does not need to be repainted or stained.

Metal cladding

There are different types of this type of cladding, but metal cladding is the most common cladding material used in commercial building such as business parks and offices. All metal cladding types are easily decorated according to the client’s demand. Steel cladding is commonly used for commercial purposes as it is a strong, durable material, it is low maintenance and is very pleasing on the eye. However, it can be expensive therefore unfavourable on a tight budget and has poor thermal insulation performance. Aluminium cladding is also popular as it is very affordable, requires low maintenance and is easy to install on site. On the other hand, this material can look cheap if designed incorrectly and is easily damaged. Like steel, aluminium also offers a very low thermal insulation performance to a building.

Rainscreen cladding manufacturer website

Stone cladding

Stone cladding is very popular when it comes to residential building. It can give a real natural aesthetic feel to a building and is sometimes combined with another exterior finish or render to add dimension to the building. Stone is a very good insulator and is a very durable material, as it is able to withstand years of weathering making it a very popular exterior choice for residential buildings. However, stone cladding can be a very expensive material to install and maintain, but if the budget is not tight on a project, this cladding would be a good choice as it provides the building with a range of benefits.

Vinyl cladding system or Vinyl Siding

Vinyl cladding/siding is predominately made for cladding the exterior faces of houses and other residential buildings. Vinyl cladding comes in a variety of colours and patterns, and is also a cost-effective material as it reduces the cost of heating and cooling the living space that it is built on. This material requires little or no maintenance and can withstand harsh weathering but may need replaced every 5-7 years as the colouring of the cladding may fade. One major negative points would be that this material can cover up problems such as damp or other moisture problems which allows mould to grow. Also, this type of cladding can release harmful toxins when exposed to regular high temperatures which is bad for the environment. Cladding supplier website

Weatherboard cladding

Weatherboard cladding is a common type of technique used on residential building today and can be carried out with a wide variety of materials like fibre cement and UPVC, and in a range of colours and effects. It is an extremely durable method of cladding the exterior of a building and it can be applied to a variety of substrates. Weatherboard cladding usually requires a thorough annual maintenance routine to be kept at best condition. TYPES OF EXTERNAL CLADDING

Planning Permission in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Shields.

From our experience, planning permission usually takes around eight weeks from application in the Newcastle area. But don’t be put off by this – sometimes it takes time to achieve your dream. You don’t have to worry or deal with any queries regarding your build as we act as your agent throughout the planning process.

We have a wealth of experience of submitting planning applications under a variety of circumstances – from complex to straightforward. Acre Design apply this in-depth understanding when designing projects for our clients. Knowing what will generally gain approval and what won’t, makes us the North East’s leading architectural design firm.

If you do need planning permission for your loft conversion or extension, we’ll let you know the likelihood of gaining an approval during your free initial consultation. We’ll also offer solutions to any issues we foresee from the start.

How you act on our advice is up to you, we just give our professional opinions free of charge on the free initial consultation.

Download our planning permission infographic for more information. It has some helpful tips and statistics.

The North East, and in particular Newcastle, is a fabulous place to build. From the Victorian Terraces to the more modern semis, there are all kinds of opportunities to do something truly special. With older properties, the main thing that planning departments will look at is how the extension will fit in with its environment. Having many years of experience, we know how to work with the style of your area whilst incorporating your personal taste and vision.

Acre Design has excellent relationships with councils across Newcastle and the North East and will ensure achieving the relevant permission is stress and hassle free!

We offer free advice on whether planning permission is required or not, just arrange a free consultation. If planning is required, we will give you an idea of the likelihood of approval.

Sometimes, planning may not be deemed necessary. Then, we apply to the council for a certificate of lawful development on your behalf. You can find lots more information planning permission on our information page and our FAQ’s have some really helpful information regarding building control.