Whitley Bay, North Tyneside: Contemporary Rear Extension with Glazed Gable
Whitley Bay, North Tyneside: Contemporary Rear Extension with Glazed Gable
Architectural Design Portfolio | Acre Design
Contemporary Rear Extension in Whitley Bay
Located on a quiet residential street just moments from the coast, this project reimagines a family home in Whitley Bay through a carefully designed rear extension. The property had previously been extended, but the layout had become fragmented and no longer supported modern family living.
Our clients wanted to transform the rear of the house into a bright, open-plan kitchen and living space where cooking, dining, and everyday family life could take place together. The aim was to create a sociable environment that connected seamlessly to the garden while respecting the character of the existing home.
Rethinking the Layout Through a Needs and Options Review
Before developing a design, we worked closely with the family through our Needs and Options Review process, exploring several alternative layouts and studying how the existing house could be reconfigured.
This early design stage allowed the clients to understand:
- what could be achieved within their budget
- which options might require planning permission
- how different layouts could transform the flow of the home
Exploring multiple possibilities at the outset often reveals opportunities homeowners may never have considered, ensuring the final design makes the most of the property.
Alongside the layout studies, we developed preliminary budgets and mood boards to capture the client’s style and preferences, helping shape the architectural language of the extension.
A Light-Filled Kitchen Extension with a Glazed Gable
The final design introduces a striking rear extension with a dramatic glazed gable, creating a distinctive architectural feature while flooding the interior with natural light.
The new space forms an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that connects directly to the garden. Large areas of glazing frame outdoor views while allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the home.
Carefully considered proportions and materials ensure the extension feels contemporary while sitting comfortably within the surrounding neighbourhood.
Transforming the Heart of the Home
The completed extension has completely transformed how the house is used. What was once a series of separate rooms is now a bright, open and welcoming family space where everyday life naturally unfolds.
Cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining can now happen in one cohesive environment that feels connected to both the house and the garden beyond.
The result is a home that is lighter, more sociable and perfectly suited to modern living, all while remaining part of the much-loved coastal community of Whitley Bay.
Many rear extensions can be built under permitted development rights, but larger or more complex designs may require planning permission. An architect can help assess your property and guide you through the planning process.
In many cases, rear extensions can extend up to 3–4 metres for terraced and semi-detached homes, and up to 8 metres for detached houses under permitted development rules. However, each property is different and should be assessed individually.
A glazed gable introduces large amounts of natural light while creating a striking architectural feature. It can make an open-plan space feel larger, brighter, and more connected to the garden.
Costs vary depending on size, materials, and design complexity. As a rough guide, many rear extensions currently range from £2,000–£3,000 per m², though bespoke architectural features may increase this.
A Needs and Options Review is an early design stage where several layout and extension options are explored before committing to a final design. This helps homeowners understand what is possible within their budget and planning constraints.
Our residential architectural portfolio
Explore how Acre Design has transformed homes across Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside. From elegant Victorian extensions to contemporary reconfigurations and countryside loft conversions.
Contact Acre Design
CAI Building, Royal Quays,
North Shields, NE29 6DE