Design Guide for Rural Northern Ireland
Traditional Qualities: Extensions

In the country, you would not usually extend to the 'front' of a house, but generally build on the side or at the back. The front might have a wind porch added, but seldom more. An alternative to extension at the sides or the back would be to add another storey to the house.

The house therefore tended to grow longer (and perhaps higher) over time. Rear extensions were added, too, often linked directly to outbuildings.