Garden Design for a New Extension

A new extension can completely change the relationship between your house and garden.

The kitchen may move.

New doors may open onto a different part of the plot.

Large areas of glazing may create new views.

Internal floor levels may change.

And the old patio may suddenly be in completely the wrong place.

That is why garden design is often most valuable before the extension is finished, rather than after the builders have left.

Kirman Design provides bespoke garden design for new extensions throughout North West England.

By considering the landscape alongside the building work, we can help coordinate:

• External levels

• Thresholds

• Drainage

• Terraces

• Paving

• Planting

• Trees

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

• Garden lighting

The objective is simple: the new extension and the garden should feel like one project rather than two separate ones.

Why Design the Garden Before the Extension Is Finished?

Many homeowners concentrate entirely on the building first.

That is understandable.

But by the time the extension is complete, several important landscape decisions may already have been fixed.

These can include:

• Finished floor levels

• Door thresholds

• External ground levels

• Drainage positions

• Utility routes

• Downpipes

• Access routes

Once those decisions are built, they can become expensive or impractical to change.

Early garden design gives more opportunity to coordinate them properly.

A New Extension Changes the Garden

The old garden was designed around the old house.

Once the house changes, the landscape often needs to change too.

A new extension may alter:

• Where people enter the garden

• Where they sit

• Where they eat

• Which areas are visible from indoors

• Which parts require privacy

• Where the sun reaches the terrace

Simply rebuilding the existing patio may miss the opportunity completely.

Don't Treat the Garden as the Last Job

One of the most common mistakes is to think:

“Once the extension is finished, we'll sort the garden.”

By then, the builder may already have determined:

• External levels

• Drainage

• Patio edges

• Service positions

without an overall garden design.

The result can work technically while still producing an awkward landscape.

Our broader garden design for new extensions approach is based on involving the landscape early enough for the building and garden to influence each other.

Start With the New Interior

Garden design should begin by understanding what is happening inside the extension.

We consider:

• Room layout

• Furniture positions

• Kitchen location

• Dining area

• Door positions

• Windows

These can influence the landscape immediately outside.

The garden should respond to the way the new room will actually be used.

Garden Design Around a New Kitchen Extension

Kitchen extensions often create the strongest new connection with the garden.

The external space may need to provide:

• Dining

• Seating

• Outdoor cooking

• Circulation

The relationship between indoor and outdoor cooking areas may also influence where an outdoor kitchen is positioned.

Garden Design Around a New Dining Extension

A dining area with large windows may benefit from a strong focal point outside.

This could be:

• A specimen tree

• Planting

• Water

• Sculpture

The view should be considered from the table rather than simply from the garden.

Garden Design Around a New Family Room

Family rooms may need the garden to support several uses.

These might include:

• Children's play

• Dining

• Relaxation

• Entertaining

The garden can be organised so those activities coexist without becoming visually chaotic.

Garden Design Around Sliding Doors

Large sliding doors create a broad visual connection.

The terrace beyond them should feel proportionate to the opening.

A very small patio can look particularly weak against a large glazed elevation.

The garden beyond should also be designed as a view.

Garden Design Around Bifold Doors

Bifold doors can open an entire wall of the extension.

This makes the area immediately outside especially important.

The paving needs to provide enough room for:

• Furniture

• Movement

• Entertaining

without creating an unnecessarily large expanse of hard landscaping.

Garden Design Around French Doors

Even smaller door openings can be used to establish strong garden axes.

A path, tree or planting feature can align with the doors and draw the eye into the garden.

The principle is the same.

The landscape should respond to the architecture.

Designing Views From the New Extension

Large windows often mean that the garden will be viewed far more frequently than before.

Important views may come from:

• Kitchen island

• Dining table

• Sofa

• Hallway

The design can intentionally place:

• Trees

• Borders

• Lighting

• Water

within these sightlines.

The Garden Should Work in Winter Too

A garden visible through large areas of glazing needs year-round structure.

That may come from:

• Evergreen planting

• Tree bark

• Grasses

• Seed heads

• Lighting

The landscape should not disappear visually once summer planting has finished.

Designing the Main Terrace

The main terrace should be based on how it will be used.

It may need to accommodate:

• Dining table

• Seating

• Outdoor kitchen

• Circulation

The dimensions should be tested against real furniture.

This is more useful than simply paving an arbitrary distance from the extension.

Should the Patio Run Across the Whole Extension?

Not necessarily.

A terrace spanning the full width of the extension may work in some gardens.

In others, it creates too much paving.

Planting can break up the edge and soften the architecture.

The correct layout depends on:

• Doors

• Furniture

• Garden size

Paving for a New Extension

Our garden paving may use:

• Porcelain

• Natural stone

• Brick

• Gravel

The material can respond to both the new extension and the original property.

Matching the internal floor exactly is not always necessary.

A complementary material may create a better transition.

Porcelain Paving and New Extensions

Porcelain often suits contemporary extensions because it offers:

• Clean detailing

• Large formats

• Consistent finishes

It can work particularly well around:

• Sliding doors

• Outdoor kitchens

• Modern terraces

Planting should be used generously enough to prevent the area from feeling excessively hard.

Natural Stone and New Extensions

Natural stone can create a strong contrast with modern glazing.

It can be especially effective where the extension has been added to:

• Period house

• Farmhouse

• Country property

The new architecture can remain contemporary while the landscape retains material warmth.

Brick and New Extensions

Brick detailing can help connect old and new architecture.

It may be used for:

• Edging

• Paths

• Walls

particularly where the original house contains strong brickwork.

Level Access From a New Extension

Many extension projects aim for a seamless threshold.

Our level access from house to garden approach considers:

• Internal floor level

• External paving level

• Threshold drainage

• Falls

These issues should ideally be coordinated before the builder completes the external works.

The visual effect should never be achieved by compromising appropriate drainage around the building.

Threshold Drainage

Threshold drainage may be required where paving approaches closely to door levels.

The correct detail depends on:

• Building construction

• Door system

• External levels

This should be coordinated with the relevant building professionals.

Garden Drainage Around a New Extension

An extension changes the amount and movement of water.

Our garden drainage solutions may consider:

• Roof runoff

• New paving

• Existing soil

• Changed levels

• Surface falls

North West England's rainfall makes these decisions particularly important.

Roof Water

A larger roof can create additional runoff.

Downpipe and drainage positions should be understood before external landscaping is completed.

The garden design should not obstruct access to essential drainage infrastructure.

Paving Falls

Paving needs to move water away appropriately.

Even where the visual design uses strong horizontal lines, the construction still needs suitable falls.

Technical performance should not be sacrificed for appearance.

Garden Levels Around a New Extension

The extension may create a different finished floor height from the old house.

The garden can respond through:

• Gradual changes

• Terraces

• Steps

• Retaining walls

The solution should be designed rather than improvised on site.

Raised Terraces

A raised terrace may be appropriate where the internal floor sits significantly above the garden.

It can create a generous platform for:

• Dining

• Seating

The edge can be softened using:

• Planting

• Steps

• Walls

Lowering the Garden

In some circumstances, excavation may be considered.

But lowering large areas can affect:

• Drainage

• Boundaries

• Existing trees

The consequences need to be understood before changing levels substantially.

Garden Steps From a New Extension

Steps can become a strong architectural element.

They may align with:

• Doors

• Windows

• Garden axes

Broad, well-proportioned steps often feel more intentional than narrow steps added simply to overcome a level difference.

Retaining Walls

Where level changes are substantial, retaining structures may be necessary.

These might use:

• Brick

• Stone

• Render

• Contemporary finishes

Significant retaining walls may require appropriate structural design.

Designing the Garden Before Groundworks Finish

One of the best opportunities arises while the builder still has machinery and access available.

Some landscape-related work may be easier at this stage, such as:

• Major excavation

• Service ducts

• Drainage infrastructure

The work needs careful coordination so that finished landscaping is not damaged by continuing construction.

Construction Access

Before the extension blocks or narrows access, consider what may eventually need to reach the garden.

This can include:

• Excavators

• Paving

• Soil

• Trees

• Structures

Once side access has been reduced, some landscape options may become more difficult.

Getting Specimen Trees Into the Garden

If large specimen trees are planned, access should be assessed early.

The easiest time to bring a large tree into a garden may be while:

• Fences are temporarily removed

• Building access is open

• Heavy equipment is available

Leaving this decision until the end can limit tree size considerably.

Planting Design Around a New Extension

Our planting design can soften the relationship between extension and garden.

Planting may:

• Frame windows

• Soften retaining walls

• Break up paving

• Create privacy

• Provide seasonal interest

Plant beds should be included in the layout from the beginning.

Don't Leave Planting Until the End

If every available space is allocated first to:

• Paving

• Furniture

• Structures

planting can become whatever fits in the gaps.

The strongest landscapes deliberately allocate enough space for plants to mature properly.

Planting Against a New Extension

Planting close to the building can help soften new architecture.

Species selection should consider:

• Available space

• Light

• Mature size

• Maintenance

• Building fabric

Planting should not be positioned without considering future growth.

Trees and Large Glazing

Trees can provide exceptional views from inside.

They may offer:

• Branch structure

• Seasonal colour

• Movement

• Privacy

A carefully positioned multi-stem tree can become a focal point through a large window.

Privacy Around a New Extension

Extensions frequently introduce more glazing.

That can make previously acceptable levels of overlooking feel uncomfortable.

Our garden screening ideas may use:

• Trees

• Pleached trees

• Pergolas

• Hedging

• Layered planting

The design should solve the actual sightlines rather than simply raise every boundary.

Screening New Neighbour Views

A raised floor or new window may expose a neighbouring house that was previously unnoticed.

A tree or pergola can sometimes interrupt the specific view while retaining openness elsewhere.

Pergolas for Privacy

A garden pergola can provide useful overhead screening around:

• Dining

• Seating

This can be especially effective where overlooking comes from upper-storey windows.

Outdoor Kitchens Beside New Extensions

An outdoor kitchen can be particularly convenient beside a new kitchen extension.

The design should consider:

• Access from indoor kitchen

• Dining location

• Smoke

• Wind

• Utilities

Planning it during the extension works can make service installation considerably easier.

Outdoor Kitchen Services

Depending on the specification, the kitchen may require:

• Electrical supply

• Water

• Drainage

These should ideally be planned before finished paving is installed.

Any specialist utility work should be completed by appropriately competent professionals.

Pergolas and New Extensions

A pergola can visually extend the architecture into the garden.

The design may be:

• Contemporary

• Timber

• Metal

Its scale should relate to the extension.

A structure that is too small can feel like an unrelated garden accessory.

Covered Outdoor Living

Some projects include more substantial covered outdoor areas.

These may create a transition between:

• Kitchen

• Terrace

• Garden

The design should consider:

• Shade

• Light

• Rain

• Views

Relevant planning and construction requirements should be checked where applicable.

Garden Lighting for a New Extension

Garden lighting is easiest to coordinate before the landscape is complete.

Cable routes and infrastructure can be incorporated alongside the construction works.

Lighting can create strong views through the extension after dark.

Designing Lighting From Inside

The most important garden lighting may not be the lights you see while outside.

It may be the illuminated landscape you see through the glazing from indoors.

We can consider views towards:

• Trees

• Planting

• Walls

• Water

rather than simply illuminating paths.

Water Features and New Extensions

A new sightline may create an ideal position for water.

This might include:

• Reflecting pool

• Rill

• Contemporary water feature

• Pond

The feature can be aligned with:

• Doors

• Windows

• Interior circulation

Reflecting Pools

Still water can create a particularly strong relationship with contemporary glazing.

It can reflect:

• Architecture

• Sky

• Trees

The effect is often strongest when the design remains simple.

Garden Design for a Modern Extension

Modern extensions frequently create:

• Large glazed elevations

• Strong architectural geometry

Our Garden Design for Modern Homes considers how modern living can shape the landscape more broadly.

Garden Design for a Contemporary Extension

For highly architectural projects, our Garden Design for Contemporary Houses explores:

• Paving alignment

• Architectural planting

• Large glazing

• Contemporary materials

New Extensions on Period Properties

A contemporary extension can work beautifully with an older house.

Our garden design for period properties considers how the garden can bridge those different architectural periods.

The landscape does not necessarily need to choose one style.

New Extensions on Victorian Houses

Our Garden Design for Victorian Houses considers the particular relationship between Victorian architecture and contemporary garden design.

A new rear extension can make the garden considerably more important to everyday life.

New Extensions on Edwardian Houses

Edwardian houses often have generous rear gardens and can work particularly well with contemporary extensions.

Our Garden Design for Edwardian Houses provides more detailed guidance.

New Extensions on Farmhouses

A modern extension beside an older rural building creates an opportunity for strong contrast.

Our Garden Design for Farmhouses considers how:

• Old masonry

• New glazing

• Rural landscape

can be joined through planting and landscape materials.

New Extensions on Rural Properties

Our Garden Design for Rural Properties considers the wider issues of:

• Views

• Exposure

• Rural character

• Hedgerows

• Drainage

The extension should strengthen the relationship with the landscape rather than suburbanise it.

New Extensions on Detached Houses

Detached properties may provide opportunities to reconsider:

• Side access

• Front-to-rear circulation

• Multiple terraces

Our Garden Design for Detached Houses looks at the whole plot rather than only the rear terrace.

Extensions on New Build Homes

Even relatively new houses are often extended.

Our Garden Design for New Build Homes considers related issues including:

• Poor soil

• Drainage

• Overlooking

• Limited existing trees

An extension can provide an opportunity to address these at the same time.

Extensions on Large Properties

On larger sites, a new extension may alter only one part of the wider landscape.

Our garden design for large gardens can ensure the redesigned terrace and planting still connect with the whole garden.

Extensions on Large Country Properties

Our Garden Design for Large Country Properties considers the effect of new architecture within a wider masterplan.

Views, trees and landscape structure need to be considered beyond the immediate extension.

Designing Before or After the Extension?

Both are possible.

But if the extension has not yet been completed, there may be more opportunity to influence:

• Thresholds

• Levels

• Drainage

• Services

• Access

If the work is already finished, our garden design after a house extension focuses specifically on redesigning the completed garden around the new building.

Landscaping After the Extension Is Finished

Once construction is complete, the garden may need physical reinstatement or complete reconstruction.

Our Landscaping After a House Extension focuses on:

• Groundworks

• Paving

• Drainage

• Lawn repair

• Planting

• Construction damage

This is the practical delivery stage after the design decisions have been resolved.

Landscaping After Building Work

Where the whole garden has been heavily affected by construction, our broader landscaping after building work service addresses:

• Compaction

• Rubble

• Damaged surfaces

• Changed levels

Should the Garden Designer Work With the Architect?

For more substantial projects, this can be very useful.

The architect is focused primarily on the building.

The garden designer can bring specific attention to:

• External circulation

• Views

• Planting

• Terraces

• Landscape levels

Early coordination can produce a much stronger transition between the two.

Should the Garden Designer Work With the Builder?

Yes, where useful.

There may be decisions around:

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Levels

• Ducting

• Access

that benefit from coordination.

Responsibilities should still remain clear between the various professionals and contractors.

Can the Garden Design Be Done From Architectural Drawings?

Architectural plans are extremely useful.

They can help us understand:

• Proposed extension

• Door positions

• Levels

• Site layout

However, detailed garden design may also require accurate information about the wider site.

The exact survey requirements depend on the project.

Can You Design the Garden Before the Extension Has Planning Permission?

Potentially, yes.

Early concept work may help understand the relationship between the proposed building and garden.

But there is usually little value in developing detailed landscape construction information around a building design that may still change substantially.

The appropriate level of design depends on how advanced the extension project is.

What Should Be Decided Early?

Where possible, early landscape consideration can help determine:

• Main terrace location

• Key levels

• Threshold relationships

• Major trees

• Outdoor kitchen location

• Pergola location

• Important views

• Service routes

These are the decisions that become increasingly difficult to change later.

What Can Wait Until Later?

Some detailed decisions can often be developed later.

These may include:

• Individual plants

• Furniture

• Decorative accessories

The structural decisions should come first.

Should I Choose the Paving Before the Extension Is Built?

You do not necessarily need to choose the exact product immediately.

But understanding the approximate:

• Thickness

• Construction

• Finished level

may be important where thresholds and adjoining surfaces need close coordination.

Should I Choose My Outdoor Kitchen Early?

If an outdoor kitchen is likely, its approximate location should be considered early.

This helps coordinate:

• Services

• Paving

• Pergola

• Dining area

The precise appliance specification can often be developed later.

Should I Choose Trees Early?

Major tree locations should ideally be established early.

This is particularly important for:

• Privacy

• Views

• Access

Larger trees may also need machinery for installation.

Should I Plan Garden Lighting Early?

Yes.

Even if the fittings are selected later, cable routes and infrastructure can be far easier to install before the final paving and planting.

Complete Garden Design and Build Around a New Extension

For clients wanting a coordinated approach, our complete garden design and build service can take the landscape from design through:

• Groundworks

• Paving

• Planting

• Tree installation

This can create continuity from architectural concept to completed garden.

Landscape Construction After the Extension

Our landscape construction may include:

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Paving

• Walls

• Steps

• Planting

The landscape can be scheduled so that construction activities do not unnecessarily damage finished areas.

Garden Design Only for a New Extension

If you already have a preferred contractor, our Garden Design Only Service allows us to design the landscape independently.

The completed design can then be constructed by your chosen landscaper.

Garden Design Consultation for an Extension

A garden design consultation can be particularly useful during the early stages of an extension.

We can discuss:

• Architecture

• Garden layout

• Views

• Levels

• Privacy

• Budget

This can identify important landscape issues before detailed design begins.

Garden Landscaping Consultation

If the extension design is already fixed and the main question is what physical work will be required outside, a garden landscaping consultation may be more appropriate.

Phasing the Garden and Extension

Not all landscaping needs to be completed immediately.

The project can be phased.

For example:

Phase 1: Infrastructure, drainage and levels
Phase 2: Main terrace and retaining structures
Phase 3: Trees and planting
Phase 4: Outdoor kitchen, pergola or additional features

The overall design should still be resolved first.

Protecting the Landscaping During Building Work

Where parts of the garden already exist, the construction strategy should consider how they can be protected.

This may include:

• Mature trees

• Existing planting

• Paving

It is often much easier to protect valuable landscape features than attempt to replace them later.

Protecting Existing Trees

Extension work can affect tree roots well beyond the trunk.

If construction is close to important trees, appropriate arboricultural input may be required.

Trees should not simply be treated as obstacles to construction.

Garden Design Budgets for New Extensions

The appropriate landscape budget depends on:

• Garden size

• Groundworks

• Paving

• Levels

• Trees

• Planting

• Structures

The extension itself may have already changed how much landscape work is required.

Garden Design for £50,000–£100,000 Budgets

Our Garden Design for £50,000–£100,000 Budgets explores how significant landscape expenditure can be prioritised.

Around a new extension, the strongest priorities may be:

• Main terrace

• Drainage

• Trees

• Structural planting

• Lighting infrastructure

Garden Design for £100,000+ Projects

Larger properties can involve far more substantial landscape construction.

Our Garden Design for £100,000+ Projects considers:

• Major groundworks

• Extensive terraces

• Outdoor kitchens

• Structures

• Mature trees

• Large-scale planting

At this level, early coordination between building and landscape becomes increasingly valuable.

How Much Does Garden Design for a New Extension Cost?

Design fees depend on:

• Garden size

• Complexity

• Levels

• Survey requirements

• Planting

• Technical information

Our guide to how much garden design costs explains the wider factors.

Can a Garden Designer Save Money During an Extension?

Professional design does not automatically make a project cheaper.

Its value is in helping make better decisions before expensive work is built.

For example, it may help prevent:

• A patio being constructed at the wrong level

• Outdoor kitchen services being omitted

• Drainage being installed in the wrong position

• Access for large trees being lost

Avoiding unnecessary reconstruction can provide significant value.

Do I Need a Garden Designer for My Extension?

Not every extension needs full garden design.

If the outside work is genuinely limited to a simple replacement surface, it may not be necessary.

But where the extension creates new:

• Doors

• Views

• Levels

• Outdoor living requirements

professional design can be particularly worthwhile.

Our guide Do I Need a Garden Designer? explores this in more detail.

Is a Garden Designer Worth It When Building an Extension?

If you are investing significantly in the house, it makes sense to consider what will be seen and used immediately outside it.

Our guide Is a Garden Designer Worth It? explains why the value lies in resolving those decisions before construction makes them expensive to change.

When Should I Hire a Garden Designer for an Extension?

Ideally before the important external decisions have been fixed.

Our guide When Should I Hire a Garden Designer? explores timing in more detail.

You do not necessarily need every planting detail resolved before building begins.

But you should ideally understand where the landscape is heading.

Garden Design for New Extensions Across North West England

Kirman Design provides garden design for new extensions throughout North West England, including:

• Lancashire

• Cheshire

• Greater Manchester

• Merseyside

• The Ribble Valley

• Surrounding areas

We work with:

• Contemporary rear extensions

• Kitchen extensions

• Family room extensions

• Period house extensions

• Rural property extensions

• Large residential projects

North West conditions can make early landscape coordination particularly important because sites may involve:

• Heavy clay soils

• High rainfall

• Sloping ground

• Drainage issues

These practical conditions should be considered alongside the architectural design.

Why Choose Kirman Design for a New Extension?

The garden should not begin where the architect's drawing ends.

The extension and landscape are part of the same property.

The floor level inside affects the terrace outside.

The position of the sliding doors affects the garden view.

The new kitchen affects the outdoor dining area.

The glazing affects privacy.

And the building works affect drainage, soil and access.

Kirman Design considers all of these relationships.

Because we provide both garden design and landscape construction, we understand not only what the finished landscape should look like but also what needs to happen during the construction process to make it possible.

The best time to solve many landscape problems is before they become built problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start designing the garden for a new extension?

Ideally before the extension is completely finished and before external levels, drainage and paving are fixed.

Should my garden designer work with my architect?

For significant projects, collaboration can be very useful because the relationship between architecture, thresholds, views and landscape can be considered together.

Should the patio be designed before the extension is built?

The overall size, position and level should ideally be understood early, even if the exact paving product is selected later.

Can you design around bifold or sliding doors?

Yes. Door positions can influence terrace layout, circulation, planting and focal views.

Can you create level access from a new extension?

Potentially, yes. The external levels, threshold and drainage need to be carefully coordinated with the building design.

When should garden drainage be planned?

Drainage should be considered before final external levels and hard landscaping are fixed.

Should an outdoor kitchen be planned before the extension is finished?

If one is likely, its approximate location should ideally be established early so services can be coordinated.

Should garden lighting be planned during the extension?

Yes. Cable routes and infrastructure can often be installed far more easily during construction.

Can trees be planted while the building work is happening?

Sometimes, but they need protection from construction activity. Larger trees may be easier to bring onto site before access becomes restricted.

Can you design the garden from my architect's plans?

Architectural drawings are extremely useful, although additional survey information may be needed depending on the complexity of the garden.

What if my extension is already finished?

That is not a problem. Our garden design after a house extension service focuses specifically on redesigning gardens after construction is complete.

Does Kirman Design work on extension projects throughout North West England?

Yes. Kirman Design provides garden design and landscaping for extension projects throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas.

Don't Let the Garden Become an Afterthought

A new extension is an opportunity to transform more than the house.

It can change the way you experience the garden completely.

The new doors can frame a tree rather than a fence.

The terrace can be designed for the furniture you actually own.

Drainage can be resolved before the paving is laid.

Services for an outdoor kitchen can be installed before the garden is finished.

And the planting can be designed as part of the architecture rather than whatever happens to fit afterwards.

The best garden design for a new extension starts before everything outside has been fixed.

If you are planning a new house extension in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss how professional garden design can coordinate the landscape with your building project and create a much stronger connection between your new interior and the garden beyond.