These innovative London home extensions are the winners of NLA's Don't Move, Improve! 2019 competition

After revealing an exciting shortlist of 37 projects that showcase innovative and creative home extension solutions in London's hyperchallenging housing market, the top winning entries of the Don't Move, Improve! 2019 competition have been revealed last night. 

New London Architecture organizes the awards program each year to highlight the importance of ingenuity and creativity in overcoming spatial constraints and designing high-quality residential environments.

The judging panel selected the transformation of a derelict religious building in Southwark into a stunning family home, designed by architects Craftworks, as London's best home extension and overall winner this year. 

"First Prize winner, The Chapel includes a new lower ground level for bedrooms, a large ground floor living space with vaulted ceiling, and a mezzanine level inserted as a space for privacy," explains the project description. "The ‘tent’ roof allows for flexible living needs whilst bringing skyward views and maximizing daylight."

"The Chapel is one of the most dramatic transformations and the jury was unanimous in giving it First Prize – the large space and elegant treatment of the roof was unbeatable," said Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture.

"However, the Second and Third Prize winners are particularly interesting because the architects took two more unremarkable houses and turned them into something very special. The joint Third Prize winner at Lauriston Road is a splendid example of creating light and open spaces using simple and well-chosen materials."

Second Prize: Stego in Southwark by Archmongers LLP

Joint Third Prize: Folded Wedge Townhouse in Lewisham by Russell Hunt Architects

Joint Third Prize: Lauriston Road in Hackney by Gundry + Ducker

Best Use of Materials: Kings Grove in Southwark by Al-Jawad Pike

Most Innovative: Loft Library in Walthamstow by Arboreal Architecture

Best Interior: Crouch End House in Haringey by Catriona Burns Architects

Best Historic Intervention: Tower House in Islington by Dominic McKenzie Architects

Most Cost-Effective joint prize: Scissor Truss House in Lambeth by Studio MESH

Most Cost-Effective joint prize: Breakout Extension in Haringey by KNOTT ARCHITECTS

Most Sustainable prize: Reuse Flat in Hackney by Arboreal Architecture

The jury this year included architects Carl Turner of Carl Turner Architects, Cany Ash of Ash Sakula, Jo McCafferty of Levitt Bernstein, journalists Amy Frearson of Dezeen and Philippa Stockley of the Evening Standard as well as Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture.

An exhibition with all the winners and over 130 selected projects will be on display at the NLA Galleries at The Building Centre (26 Store Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1E 7BT) from January 23rd until mid-April 2019.