Home Extension of the Year (up to 2,500 sq ft) 26

Cakeham House is presented as a carefully considered home extension that reworks a compromised house into a more coherent and liveable dwelling. The design is centred on improving organisation, circulation and the relationship between the house and its landscape, with a clearer arrival sequence and a stronger sense of orientation throughout.

The proposal is defined by a bold architectural move that departs from a conventional rear addition, using a modern steel structure and timber to create generous internal space and a lighter visual connection to the original house. It supports a flexible open-plan layout that can adapt to changing family needs, while also addressing sustainability through a fabric-first approach and improved environmental performance.

Judges praised the project for its confidence, originality and sensitive response to the brief, describing it as a refreshing and challenging alternative to typical extension formats. They also highlighted its overall success in delivering a well-executed transformation with strong sustainability credentials and a clear sense of intent.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:

Refreshingly bold! A stand-out winner which makes a strong statement of intent. The use of timber softens and allows this striking addition to really work with the exiting house despite its bold form.

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Cakeham House is a confident and well-executed transformation that significantly improves the organisation, environmental performance and usability of an otherwise compromised home. The new entrance sequence and improved relationship with the landscape create a much stronger sense of arrival and orientation, while the fabric-first sustainability strategy is well considered.

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A refreshing modern take on an retrofit challenging the typical semi-detached approach to an extension. A successful and sensitive response to the client's brief requiring a flexible layout capable of adapting to changing family needs over time.

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Home Extension of the Year (up to 2,500 sq. ft)

Cakeham House by Adam Knibb Architects

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:

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