House Extension Architects in North Shields, Newcastle & the North East
Home Extension in Whitley Bay
Contrasting and softening tones with Marziale brick and zinc. A beautifully composed extension and recessed profile dormer is designed to complement this much loved Edwardian home that sits close to the sea front. Internal arrangements are maximised to be bright, open and highly functional. Differing internal views showed the client how the space could be used.
01
Private | Residential
Whitley Bay
2026
Designing Extensions Around How You Live
A well-designed house extension can transform the way you live without requiring you to leave the home and location you already know and love.
The best extensions are not simply about adding unconsidered floor space. They should improve the way the entire house works. Chris approaches every extension as part of the existing house rather than an isolated addition, considering how new and old living spaces connect, how circulation could be improved, how natural daylight enters the home and how the extension relates to the garden and its surroundings.
Depending on the property and brief, this might involve a rear extension, side extension, internal reconfiguration or a combination of alterations.
Rear, Side & Loft Conversion House Extensions
Rear and side extensions can dramatically improve the relationship between a home and its garden. Chris considers the position of the extension, the amount of natural light available, views into the garden and how the new space connects with existing living areas and the outdoors.
Loft conversions are spaces that already exist and in most cases, can be made into habitable rooms - an additional bedroom or work studios for example. This space can help to increase the value of your property and if certain criteria is met are generally considered Permitted Development.
The studio's designs focus on a combination of carefully integrated additions and contemporary architectural interventions.
Extensions to Period Properties
Extending an older property requires a particularly considered approach.
Victorian, Edwardian and other period homes often have distinctive principal elevations, proportions, materials and architectural details that may influence how a new extension could be designed. In conservation areas such as parts of Tynemouth, additional planning and contextual considerations can also influence the design.
Chris designs extensions that respects the main character of the original property while providing the space and quality required for contemporary living.
House Extensions in North Tyneside
Chris Heal Architecture is based in North Shields and has experience designing residential extensions across Newcastle and the wider North East.
Recent projects include:
Tynemouth — a project (which is in design development stage) involves retaining the original principal (front elevation) and creating a contemporary rear extension and renovation to a period terrace property within a conservation area.
Whitley Bay — a modern extension and adaption of an Edwardian family home.
North Shields — a contemporary extension to a 1930s house, combining brickwork and dark timber cladding.
House Extensions Further Afield
Although Chris Heal Architecture is based in North Shields with many projects in the local area, the studio also works across the country near and far.
Shropshire - A recent project includes a beautiful and characterful barn conversion and extension in Shropshire.
Planning Permission for House Extensions
Whether planning permission is required depends on the property, proposed works and applicable permitted development rights. Chris can assess the opportunities and constraints affecting your project at an early stage and advise on the appropriate planning route.
Where a planning application is required, Chris will develop the architectural proposals and prepare the information needed for submission. Properties within conservation areas or with other heritage considerations may require additional care, consultation and documentation.
Building Regulations & Technical Design
Planning approval is only one part of creating a successful extension.
Chris can develop the design into detailed technical information suitable for building regulations and construction, considering structure, insulation, materials, junctions, ventilation, drainage, external works and other technical requirements. This allows the architectural idea to be developed into something that can be properly built.
From Ideas to Construction and Handover
Depending on your project, services can include:
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Initial consultation
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Feasibility studies
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Measured surveys
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Concept design
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Visualisation and modelling
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Detailed design
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Planning applications
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Building regulations
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Technical drawings
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Tender information
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Contractor selection
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Contract administration
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Construction-stage support
Chris can tailor his level of involvement to suit your project, from early feasibility through to completion.
If you're considering extending your home in Newcastle, North Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay or elsewhere in the North East and further afield, contact Chris to discuss what might be possible.