Extension architects Studio J reveals the top 2025 home extension trends
Extension architects know exactly how to create the extra house space which best serves your family.
But every year there are also new home extension developments and styles to consider.
Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting – and impactful – extension innovations for 2025.
Making homes more energy efficient
Making – and keeping – our homes warm is a daily struggle at this time of year.
For those of you shivering in an oodie right now, energy efficiency improvements are the way to go.
We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number of clients choosing air source heat pumps in their new homes or extensions. These use electricity far more efficiently than other heating systems, and save money on energy bills.
Underfloor heating systems work well alongside air source heat pumps. They distribute heat evenly throughout a room, take up less space than radiators and are compatible with smart home technology.
The popularity of both of these features is set to continue well into the future.
How extension architects embed sustainability in your home
Clients often choose to combine installing air source heat pumps with solar panels too.
Solar panels are just one way to embed sustainable features in a home to reduce the owners’ carbon footprint, while also saving money on their bills.
Better insulation is another method which can be used to reduce the need for heating. Going over and above minimum standards to a higher specification can reap huge rewards in the long run.
The design of a house, and the materials used but rarely seen such as insulation, are critical to a property’s performance and sustainability.
Our Wakefield based architects are certified passive house designers, the gold standard used for energy efficient buildings.
Home cinemas and other bespoke rooms for your lifestyle
Personalisation of living spaces reflects their homeowners’ passions and desired lifestyle.
Cinema rooms are one of the most requested bespoke rooms our extension architects are asked to create, because they are used by the whole family. They offer an immersive viewing experience, and capitalise on the proliferation of home streaming services.
Depending on the client’s lifestyle, beauty rooms, home gyms, wine cellars or play rooms for children are also up there with bespoke room requirements handed to our Leeds architects.
Each of these options allows their owners to focus on what is important to their family, without needing to leave the house.
Luxury and open plan living, again
Bespoke or single-purpose rooms can sit seamlessly alongside open plan living.
A classic example of this is a cinema room just for viewing, while eating and entertaining takes place in a combined kitchen, diner and living space.
This approach to living feels contemporary and sophisticated, another key residential architecture trend which will continue in 2025.
To achieve this, clients often dream of luxury bathrooms with freestanding baths and beautiful views as seen in this recent project
Feature staircases and bifold patio doors are also much in demand.
The former creates an airy, welcoming space, while the latter combines outdoor and indoor living, when the UK weather allows.
Extension architects using virtual reality technologies
Fancy taking a look at your new home extension – before a single brick has been laid?
That’s now possible thanks to the use of virtual reality in architecture.
Our local architects have embraced this new technology, taking it on tour so people can enjoy the visulisation (and, it has to be said, extremely fun) experience.
There are many benefits of using VR in architecture. It allows people to understand how a space will function and give feedback at an earlier stage, saving both time and money.
Showcasing different materials
The external materials used on a property are still very much dictated by planning guidance and the character of your local area.
With home extensions to the rear, there can be opportunities to do something a little differently.
External cladding can often provide a fresh feel or provide some contrast.
Internally, breathable insulating plaster helps keep your home warm while coloured concrete provides a durable, industrial aesthetic.
House extensions are our speciality – we’ve got years of experience.
If you’d like a little more help to transform your home in 2025, then our architects would love to chat.
