Set within one of Gateshead’s most historic streets, this end-of-terrace home has been transformed with a striking rear extension that balances contemporary living with the character of its 19th-century origins. Thoughtfully designed to complement the existing sandstone walls and the nearby Grade II listed former home of Sir Joseph Swan, the project creates a luminous, modern family space without compromising the property’s historic charm.

Project Description:

Built before the 1890s, the property boasts thick sandstone walls and a rich architectural history. The new rear extension, spanning 65sqm, introduces a generous, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that redefines everyday family life. Designed with careful attention to proportion, light, and materiality, the extension delivers a sense of calm and spaciousness while respecting the home’s heritage context.

A contemporary flat roof and vertical charred larch cladding contrast elegantly with the deep tones of the sandstone, creating a striking dialogue between old and new. Expansive Atlas rooflights, paired with a series of smaller rooflights, flood the interior with natural light, bathing the space in warmth throughout the day.

The design also incorporates sensitive adaptations to the original footprint. The former scullery has been converted into a practical utility and downstairs WC, ensuring that the new living spaces remain uncluttered and fluid. The resulting home is a seamless combination of historic charm and modern elegance – a space that is both visually arresting and perfectly suited to contemporary family life.

In the heart of Monkseaton’s prestigious conservation area, this historic period property has been transformed into a luminous, contemporary family home that celebrates its architectural heritage. Combining sensitive restoration with bold, modern interventions, the redesign seamlessly fuses timeless character with effortless modern living.

Project Description:

Untouched for over half a century, the home presented a rare opportunity to create a residence where history and contemporary design coexist in perfect harmony. Collaborating closely with the clients, the team at Acre Design crafted a vision that honours the property’s original charm while introducing expansive, light-filled spaces designed for modern family life.

On the ground floor, a striking apex-glazed kitchen, dining, and living space now forms the heart of the home. The generous glazing floods interiors with natural light, framing views of the garden and creating a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Attention to detail extends throughout – from bespoke joinery to carefully considered circulation – ensuring that every moment in the home feels intuitive, elegant, and welcoming.

The Coach House, converted into a self-contained gîte, provided temporary sanctuary for the family during construction while retaining its period character, subtly nodding to the property’s storied past.

Above, the loft has been transformed into a sumptuous master suite, a serene retreat where light pours through carefully positioned glazing to highlight exquisite walk-in wardrobes and a luxurious ensuite. The suite marries architectural drama with comfort, creating a space that feels both indulgent and intimately personal.

Every corner of the home has been curated with equal care: original features restored, period furnishings integrated, and striking artworks installed to complement the architecture. The result is a home that exudes timeless elegance, a residence where heritage and contemporary luxury coexist effortlessly.

As you can see from the existing floorplans and the proposed, this two storey side and rear extension that we designed is going to totally transform this North Tyneside home for these clients.

To the ground floor, the extension will replace an old, unusable conservatory. It will add a large new porch entrance hall with a grand staircase. Our design will give the family a new, open plan kitchen, living dining area as well as a downstairs bathroom and shower, a utility room, boot room, playroom and the original sitting room will be an additional snug. There will also be a stunning, covered evening terrace.

To the first floor, the extension will add two further large bedroom suites, one with an en suite.

This extension and reconfiguration will make this family home perfect for these clients.

In a prominent street in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, our team were delights to design this stunning bedroom over garage extension along with single storey rear extension. We also designed alterations to modernise and utilise the existing porch, driveway and the entire front elevation. The new kerb appeal is going to be incredible, not to mention the amazing impact the internal changes will have on family life for these clients.

When these lovely clients purchased this detached, 1950s Whitley Bay home, it hadn’t been touched for decades. The floral carpets and bright orange kitchen were outdated and impractical. The house had already been extended to the side, creating a lovely utility space which we were all keen to hang on to. The upstairs layout just didn’t work at all, though the rooms were really great sizes.

There will be a large master suite above the garage, with stunning en-suite and walk-in wardrobe space. The kids will have equal sized room (to avoid an arguments). There will also be room for home working, excercising, play, socialising and a fabulous dog washign area after those glorious but sandy beach walks! The utility has been moved and improved. Acoustic insulation and floorboards were designed in to minimise the impact socialising and children’s noise would have on the rest of the family. Underfloor heating was included in this modern, thoughtful design.

Externally, the driveway was also increased and modernised so that it could be easily accessed by two cars. Thee is also ample space for a large family car within the garage.

Located in a Low Fell conservation area, this contemporary rear extension will create a new family living area to the rear of this property. Featuring large apex glazing, charred timber cladding, the extension will create a contemporary aesthetic whilst complimenting the existing stonework.

There will be a large new kitchen, living and dining area with a stunning vaulted ceiling. Within this will be a stylish, large kitchen island where the family can have casual meals, do homework, socialise and prepare meals. There will be a separate dining room with plenty of space for lots of guests as our clients love to host! The new utility and downstairs en-suite will provide practical storage spaces for those things you’d like to keep hidden from the main living space.

The new large double garage will mirror the style of the new extension, creating a beautiful harmony between the two buildings. There will be space to park two cars (perfectly sized to comfortably fit the measurements of our clients’ cars) as well as plenty of storage, a separate bike storage room and a large room to be used as a home gym. The large area of glazing to the gym will provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside whilst our clients are working out – perfect!

We have also designed alterations to the main house including replacing the existing dormer. Dormer cheeks and roof to be lined with EPDM membrane and the windows will be replaced with new double glazed windows with glazing bars to match the existing windows. One window will be removed and blocked up in matching materials as this is no longer required within the internal reconfiguration.

On The rise, Darras Hall, Northumberland, properties often provide exceptional opportunity to extend (or even rebuild). The homes are mostly on large plots and were constructed at a time when homes, just like cars and everything else, were just much smaller. Today’s modern family needs and wants more space.

This family wanted enough bedrooms for the kids to have their own, and still some space left over for friends and family to crash when the evening turned to a night. The ground floor came with the usual issues of disjointed family life. The team at Acre Design, worked closely with the clients and came up with a number of workable options to provide the bedroom accommodation that was needed. As well as a layout to the ground floor that brought the family together.

A large open plan space including a stunning kitchen – with pantry and utility off to the side- dining and living space, a gym area, snug room and office to the ground floor. To achieve this, we designed a timber frame, two storey wraparound extension, to encompass the side and rear elevation of this home. The roof was tricky! We came up with a mansard roof design that provided beautiful light wells above the open oak staircase, flooding the open hallway and staircase with light. The clients internal design flair has really set this project off. And Lottie, the miniature golden doodle, is very happy with the underfloor heating.

If you are looking to give your Darras Hall, Northumberland, home some added character and modern style; an open plan extension could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Check out our guides and other projects to see how you could use an open plan extension to transform your home.

We designed this stunning, large two storey rear and side extension for a delightful character property in Rowlands Gill.

The slate grey cedral cladding to the exterior makes this new home look strikingly luxurious. This, coupled with the large, corner and apex glazing we designed in, this house is now stunning.

This new space provides a new, modern living area which is open plan and perfect for hosting. The new master suite is elevated by the incredible views across the Derwent Valley. The Juliet style balcony makes the most of the breath-taking landscape.

Our design for this single storey rear extension and two storey side and rear extension with rear gable will create a stunning open plan kitchen/ living area and new master bedroom suite.

As you can see from our stunning 3D visualisation, this home will look incredible. The new open plan space will be life-changing for these lovely customers.

Boasting absolutely stunning views out to sea, this bungalow in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside is a real treasure. It just needed some modernisation and love. Luckily, our team was on hand to jump at the chance to redesign this exquisite home. Like most people who live in the North East, the seaside is our real sanctuary so we were delighted to be a part of designing some architecture right on the coastline. This building is going to be iconic.

From a stunning balcony off the master suite to the masses off gorgeous glazing, this design is perfect for this location.

Located in Cullercoats, North Tyneside, this contemporary rear extension has created a spacious, light family living area to the rear of this tall terraced property. The new open plan kitchen, living and dining area looks satisfyingly minimalist whilst remaining homely. The herringbone floor paired with sleek pendant lighting set off the modern design we agreed upon for this extension. Light floods the new space from the multiple sloping roof windows.

Featuring an outdoor shower for those beach walks with the dog (and kids) and glorious balcony to the first floor. We absolutely love this extension design.