Don't Move, Improve! Step inside 2016's most innovative house transformations

Be inspired by these contemporary extensions and conversions that show you don't have to move to get more space

Ginevra Benedetti
By Ginevra Benedetti
last updated

New London Architecture has announced the winners of its annual Don't Move, Improve! awards.

The awards celebrate swanky extensions and innovative conversions that enable homeowners to stay put, even when their lives demand more space.

It was certainly a tough decision for the judges - 33 stunning shortlisted entries exhibited glass-bottomed floors, folding walls and impressive staircases.

house with door and windows

(Image credit: TBC)

House of Trace

brick wall with door

(Image credit: TBC)

House of Trace

It seemed the judges were looking for avant-garde architecture this year as the winning medal went to House of Trace by Tsuruta Architects (pictured above).

House of Trace also won the Most Innovative award for 2016, with the designers praised for respecting the history of the build whilst creating a 'standalone piece of contemporary architecture.'

house with door and windows

(Image credit: TBC)

Sanderson House

living room with frame and blue wall

(Image credit: TBC)

Sanderson House

In second place: Sanderson House by David Kohn Architects (pictured above). Praised for its use of playful colours and Jenga looking building blocks, this property took its owners back to their childhood and had some fun in the process.

dining table with white wall

(Image credit: TBC)

Shepherd's Bush Extension

house

(Image credit: TBC)

Shepherd's Bush Extension

And in third place: Shepherd's Bush Extension by Studio 30 Architects, chosen for its large folding doors and bright windows that allowed for rooms to effortlessly flow into one another.

dining table

(Image credit: TBC)

The Facet House

living room with sofa

(Image credit: TBC)

The Gables

Other merits included the Best Interior Award that was given to The Facet House by Platform 5 Architects.
They too included folding walls that allowed for rooms to completely transform.
Best Use of Materials was awarded to The Gables by Patalab Architecure, thanks to their polished use of this year's hottest material, concrete.

house with glass window

(Image credit: TBC)

The Fitzrovia House

The Fitzrovia House by West Architecture won Best Historic Intervention, as the Georgian build earned a new structure whilst still caring for its old and The Most Cost Effective award was split between College Road by Russian For Fish, Extension One by Denizen Works and Nook House by Mustard Architects, in order to show how exemplary design can still be achieved whilst holding on to the pennies.

living room with sofa

(Image credit: TBC)

College Road

house with glass sliding door

(Image credit: TBC)

Extension One

open shelf

(Image credit: TBC)

Nook House

Ginevra Benedetti
Ginevra Benedetti
Deputy Editor (Print)

Ginevra Benedetti has been the Deputy Editor of Ideal Home magazine since 2021. With a career in magazines spanning nearly twenty years, she has worked for the majority of the UK’s interiors magazines, both as staff and as a freelancer. She first joined the Ideal Home team in 2011, initially as the Deputy Decorating Editor and has never left! She currently oversees the publication of the brand’s magazine each month, from planning through to publication, editing, writing or commissioning the majority of the content.  

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