Extension to older home

Hi

Our rectangular 1940's mud brick cottage with a hip roof is on the small side and I would love to have a go (as an owner builder) and build an extension on the side as a separate block with a link to the main house. To keep it simple I envisage the only structural change to the existing house (as it is mud-brick) is to remove the large window we have in our lounge and use that as the entry to the new extension, via some sort of link mentioned above.

I can't find much info, design wise, out there but what I have read is .... "...Often a good way of providing larger additions is to construct a separate building linked to the main house. There is no need to replicate the original style and in fact a simple modern design using materials in keeping with the old, often looks better when constructed adjacent to an historic house. Proportion and detail is more important than style and decoration..."

Problem is I can't find any examples of extensions built in this way. Maybe the link (on the side of the house) to the extension can be some sort of conservatory with a lean-to roof that leads to the extension proper. This could be rectangular in shape with a gable roof and meet the criteria keeping the two buildings separate and hopefully complimenting each other.
I know the above is pretty general in nature but, as a start, has anyone any ideas or point me to some sucessful extension designs that might suit?

cheers

gday tims

your new structure is effectively free-standing, maybe if you broaden your search to designs of free-standing cottages/small houses, then this would increase the number of designs you catch in your net.

if you are considering the ob route then the first stop is your shire office / local planning office to determine what the requirements are to obtain an ob license, what structures require approval & license (because your structure might not require approval if all it is is a free-standing enclosed party-gazebo :U) - all d(evelopment) a(pplication)'s require a builder's license to be associated with them (among other things) and depending on the type of license there may be limitations - this knowledge will affect your design; the fees & levvies imposed on a d.a. by the planning office will affect your overall budget :wink:

aside from the wealth of info on this forum alone, and in general the net, may i suggest you obtain a copy of 2 books -

• Building Your Own Home: A Comprehensive Guide for Owner Builders by GEORGE WILKIE
• Basic Rammed Earth - Rams Skull Press (http://www.ramsskullpress.com/crafts.html - go to the very bottom of the page)

Hi Tims!

If you dont want the new extension / wing / outbuilding to look added on or unsympathetic the trick is to keep it the same color and possibly external materials, but most importantly to maintain proportions and angles - especially roof line angles. things like wall heights and window sizes should be considered.

A completely detached but close by separate building can be tied visually by using the same proportions as the original building - even if you actually double the measurements of new walls, windows etc.

Doog