Annexes: The Smartest Way to Add Extra Living Space

Why Annexes Are on the Rise

More and more homeowners are looking for flexible, independent living space. Whether it’s providing a safe, private annexe for an ageing parent, creating independence for a growing teenager, or adding a guest suite that doubles as a home office or gym, an annexe offers a practical and future-proof solution.

With property prices rising and families living together for longer, annexes are becoming one of the most valuable and versatile additions you can make to your home.

Annexe or Garden Room – What’s the Difference?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences:

Garden rooms are usually smaller, versatile spaces — perfect as an office, gym, or creative studio.
Annexes are more substantial, often designed as self-contained accommodation with bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. They can be fully independent or connected to your home, making them ideal for multi-generational living.

At Room Outside®, we design both — tailoring each project to the lifestyle and needs of your family.

The Room Outside Difference – Traditional Meets Modern Innovation

For over 50 years, Room Outside® has been trusted to create high-quality, bespoke glass extensions, garden rooms and annexes. Today, we’re proud to combine this heritage with state-of-the-art modular technology, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern innovation.

Our modular systems deliver:

Five times faster builds than traditional methods, thanks to screw pile foundations and factory-engineered precision.
All-weather installation, with no reliance on bricklaying or cement.
Cleaner construction, as panels arrive pre-prepared with no cutting required on site.
Five times greater energy efficiency than the average UK home, keeping your space warm in winter, cool in summer, and your energy bills low.

Designed to Suit Your Home

Every annexe we create is completely bespoke. You can choose from a wide range of options, including:

Materials: warm traditional oak, sleek aluminium, or low-maintenance uPVC.
Roofs: flat, pitched, tiled, or glazed.
Window placements and finishes: tailored to maximise light, views, and the character of your property.

This flexibility means we can design an annexe that blends seamlessly with your home and garden, whether you want timeless character or contemporary style.