House extensions
House extensionsin Cambridge.
Rear, side and wraparound extensions for homes across Cambridge and the surrounding villages – designed by RIBA Chartered architects, and shaped by the house and its setting rather than a predetermined aesthetic.
- RIBAChartered practice
- 100%Planning approval record to date
- 12+ yearsExperience, for each director
- Two directorsInvolved from first ideas to completion
Our approach
A considered response.
Every house presents a different architectural opportunity. Through careful study of its character, proportions and relationship with its surroundings, we design extensions that complement, reinterpret or contrast with the original building, creating a coherent whole suited to contemporary living.
From Victorian terraces and semi-detached houses to period cottages and family homes, our approach begins with understanding the existing building and its relationship with the garden and wider setting. Alongside this, we consider how you want to live, exploring how changes to layout, natural light and the connections between spaces can transform the experience of the home. The result is an extension that belongs to its particular setting and responds to the way you live.
We pay close attention to
- Spatial flow and natural light
- Proportion, scale, massing and materials
- The relationship between existing and proposed
- Long-term flexibility of use
Extension projects
Extensions we have designed.
Planning
Extensions in conservation areas and sensitive settings.
Designing in sensitive settings calls for a careful understanding of the existing building, its surroundings and the considerations that shape planning decisions. We bring extensive experience across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire, designing residential extensions that respond to local character while making the most of each site’s potential.
Our approach brings architectural ambition and planning considerations together from the outset. Through a clear design rationale, careful development of the proposals and well-considered submissions, we work to secure consent for designs that enhance the home while respecting its wider context – reflected in our 100% planning approval record to date.
At Grafton Street, a wraparound and first-floor extension gained planning permission within Cambridge’s Kite Conservation Area. At Riverside House, we secured consent for rear and side extensions following an earlier refusal, demonstrating how a considered architectural response can overcome planning challenges without losing sight of the client’s ambitions.
“We highly recommend FT Studio. Their expertise was instrumental in securing planning permission for a loft conversion and rear extension within a sensitive conservation area. The final design exceeded our expectations.”
How we work
A clear path from first idea to finished extension.
Early clarity allows decisions to be made with confidence, reducing complexity later in the process and keeping the design direction consistent from concept to completion.
- 01
Listen & explore
Each project begins with understanding the brief in depth – not only what is required, but how your home needs to function day to day and evolve over time.
- 02
Design & plan
A careful reading of the building or site shapes the design, which we guide through planning with structured, clear, design-led submissions.
- 03
Detail & coordinate
Detailed technical design, construction drawings and building regulations packages, coordinated with structural and specialist consultants.
- 04
Support & deliver
Tender documentation, contractor support and site-stage support carry the design intent through to completion.
Where we work
We work primarily across Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and surrounding villages, with selected projects across the wider region.
- Cambridge
- South Cambridgeshire
- Grantchester
- Trumpington
- Great Shelford
- Little Shelford
- Stapleford
- Harston
- Sawston
- Fulbourn
- Bottisham
- Swaffham Bulbeck
- Waterbeach
- Cottenham
- Histon
- Impington
- Girton
- Coton
- Barton
- Comberton
- Bourn
- Orwell
- Gamlingay
- Ely
- Saffron Walden