The single biggest transformation of a period terrace: a wraparound extension fills both the side return and the rear, creating a vast open-plan ground floor. Designed, engineered and built by one team across North West London.
A wraparound extension is an L-shaped addition that combines a side return infill with a rear extension. By taking in both the narrow alley alongside a Victorian or Edwardian terrace and the space at the back, it delivers the most dramatic increase in ground-floor area of any single-storey extension. The result is typically a large, light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining and living space opening onto the garden.
By combining the side return and rear in one scheme, a wraparound delivers far more floor area than either extension alone — ideal for an ambitious open-plan kitchen-living space.
Roof lanterns over the side return plus full-width rear glazing flood the new space with daylight from two aspects, transforming a dark period interior.
Because a wraparound's combined footprint typically exceeds Permitted Development limits, a full householder planning application is usually required — we design with local policy in mind and manage the application.
A wraparound often affects both neighbouring boundaries, so the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually applies on both sides. We coordinate all notices and surveyors.
Combining two extensions creates a more demanding structural design — corner steels, goalpost frames and foundations. Our in-house engineer designs and certifies it all.
Architecture, interiors, engineering and construction sit under one contract, so the kitchen, joinery and glazing are detailed as a single coherent scheme.
A wraparound is a larger undertaking than a single side return or rear extension. Durations below are indicative on-site programmes; we provide a detailed programme and fixed quotation after survey.
| Project Type | Indicative Timeline (on site) | Typical Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Standard wraparound (terrace) | 16–24 weeks | Side return + rear, structure, glazing, finishes |
| Wraparound + new kitchen | 20–28 weeks | Above plus full kitchen installation |
| Wraparound + ground-floor remodel | 24–32 weeks | Larger reconfiguration, utility, WC, joinery |
| Premium specification | By programme | Bespoke glazing, lanterns, designer kitchen |
Every project is priced individually. Use our cost calculator or book a free consultation for a detailed, fixed quotation.
An architect assesses both the side return and rear, measures the available space and reviews the structure of your property against your brief and budget.
We develop the L-shaped scheme with 3D visuals and, because a wraparound usually exceeds Permitted Development, prepare and submit a full householder planning application.
Our engineer designs the combined steel frame and foundations; we secure Building Regulations approval and manage inspections.
We serve party wall notices to affected neighbours, then build groundworks, structure, roofing, lanterns, glazing and finishes with a dedicated project manager.
We install the kitchen, bespoke joinery, flooring and decoration, then hand over with the Completion Certificate and 10-year structural warranty.
We are adding photographed, costed case studies for this service. To see comparable completed schemes, book a consultation or browse our case study portfolio.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. Our architects will assess what your side return and rear can deliver together, and provide a transparent, fixed quotation.