Annexe & Outbuildings
Outbuilding conversions and new annexe designs that give your home more space to adapt
Design your way to privacy and sanctuary. An annexe or outbuilding project can be one of the best ways to make use of the untapped potential around your home, bringing fresh purpose to an unloved garage or barn or changing how you look at your unused land.
When designing an annexe or outbuilding, it’s important to strike a balance between a space that’s distinct when you need it to be and a design that still flows sympathetically from your main home.
My Village Architect can guide you through those design details. From defining what you need in easy-to-read drawings and models to taking care of the planning process, we’re here to help you find the space you need.
What’s the difference between an annex and an outbuilding?
Annexes and outbuildings might look similar but there’s a simple difference to keep in mind:
An annexe is a livable space, which usually means it comes with running water like bathroom facilities.
An outbuilding is a structure for occasional use, like a home office, gym or hobby space.
Will I need planning permission for an outbuilding?
Most outbuildings are covered under permitted development. However, if you need running water for a toilet, washroom or utility space, or if you’re building in a conservation area or AONB you’ll need to go through planning permission first.
As part of the design process, MVA will guide you through what permissions your plans might need. We’ll advise you on how to have the best chance of being granted planning permission and can prepare your planning application on your behalf.
HOW WE WORK
Our Process
As we work together on your annexe or outbuilding, we’ll guide you through planning and building regulations, tying your designs to the wider context of your main home, and seeing your ideas emerge through models and bold designs.
Initial Free Consultation
Measured Survey
Concepting & Design
Planning Permission
Building Regulations
Models & 3D Visuals
Get in touch
You deserve the space you need, not just the space you have. Reach out to see how My Village Architect can help you get there.
HAPPY CLIENTS
Reviews
"Esther did an amazing job with our internal remodel and was worth her weight in gold in terms of coming up with different options (many of which would have never occurred to us but made much more sense than our initial vision), all the way through to helping us find quotes and reliable builders to execute on her vision. She was friendly, easy to work with and dedicated to seeing the project through, which has successfully completed without a hiccup! Couldn't recommend more! "
Tom Lansdall-Welfare
"We chose to work with Esther on our single storey extension due to her vision and excitement to design something more architecturally pleasing. We had another couple of architects who were scared to design anything other than boring extensions. Within 2 weeks of being instructed Esther had achieved planning permission which was great. She was also there for technical support throughout the build. Highly recommend!"
Mark Keightley
"Esther is a very talent architect and was a delight to work with on our kitchen extension. She was dedicated and prompt with the plans and worked tirelessly to get them through planning. She went the extra mile to overcome obstacles professionally and with confidence. Her dedication and enthusiasm was amazing."
Harriet Brooks
"I just had to share how wonderful my experience was with My Village Architect! Esther was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about different design options for my parents' land. She really took the time to consider all the risks and opportunities. What I appreciated most was her genuine care for my parents' best interests. Instead of just diving into a potentially expensive and risky project, Esther guided us towards a smarter approach. Couldn't be happier with the service! Thanks Esther and My Village Architect!"
Bradley Taylor
"Esther from MVA made me realise why an architect is worth employing. I was looking for a remodel and thought I had a clear idea of what I wanted, but the several options she produced led me to something very different but better than I could have imagined. She's also designed me a fantastic new garage to work on my cars. I'm really pleased with all the work and I highly recommend!"
Lee byford
"My Village Architect is patient, full of ideas, professional, reasonably priced, quick to produce work, and up to date on current regulations. We were able to email queries at any point and Esther had a good relationship with our builder too. She was also very clear and understanding when guiding us through the planning process. We would highly recommend Esther and would definitely use her services again"
Michelle Dickson
"In 2021 Esther did a fantastic job helping us to reconfigure the rear of our house. We wanted to create a large kitchen/sitting room, plus extend into a large and under utilised hallway. The end result was outstanding and we spend nearly all our time in there now. Esther was great to work with; full of ideas, patient and walked through the whole project with us calmly and confidently."
Richard Brown
"Esther worked with our ideas to design a sympathetic and practical two storey front extension to our 1970s home. She liased with planning, building control and the builders making it a swift and hassle free project. We're really happy with her design solution for the extra space the finished extension has given our family. We have already recommended MVA to several of our friends and will continue to do so."
Richard Malin
"Esther did an amazing remodel of our kitchen. She went above and beyond what I expected from an architect, providing creative design ideas and solutions to problems we encountered. Would highly recommend."
Lizzy Lawson