In the Dutch architectural landscape of 2026, the boundary between inside and outside has almost blurred. Homeowners are no longer looking for just extra square footage, but to enrich their quality of life. Combining an extension to the home with a covered outdoor area is one of the most profitable investments you can currently make. It not only increases immediate living pleasure, but also significantly increases the market value of your property.
A sophisticated extension offers the perfect balance between functionality and relaxation. Where we previously often opted for either a closed stone extension or a separate roof, we see a strong trend towards integrated solutions in 2026. The goal is to create a seamless transition where the living room flows smoothly into a sheltered outdoor area, regardless of the changeable Dutch weather conditions.
Main variants of an extension with a veranda
When planning a renovation, it's essential to determine how the new space relates to the existing architecture and your daily routine. There are various ways to add extra volume and comfort to your home, ranging from lightweight glass structures to robust hybrid models that can be used all year round.
The veranda as a separate extension
Sometimes the need for a full-fledged closed room is less than the desire for a high-quality, bright outdoor space. In such cases, many homeowners choose to build a porch as an independent extension to the façade. This construction is characterized by an open or lockable character, with an emphasis on light and direct contact with the garden.
Such a solution is ideal for people who already have sufficient indoor space but are looking for a sheltered spot for early spring or late summer. By using modern sun protection roof systems and side glass sliding walls, you create an oasis of peace that gives the home an exclusive look without the heavy impact of a traditional stone wall.
Combined extension with a home porch
If you really need more living space but want a covered terrace at the same time, the hybrid form is the most logical step. In an extension porch project, part of the extension is completely isolated and pulled into the house, while the roof continues to form a sheltered outdoor area. This creates a harmonious whole that is both functionally and aesthetically very strong.
This combined construction offers the best of both worlds. Inside, you can enjoy extra meters for a larger kitchen or dining room, for example, while right next door you have a covered area where you can sit outside even in the event of a rain shower. In 2026, we will see that these types of projects are often carried out with large windows, so that the visual unity between the new room and the porch is maximum.
Veranda or extension: what to choose?
The choice between a porch or extension depends entirely on your budget, available space and intended use. A closed extension counts as official living space and often requires stricter insulation standards, while a veranda is more focused on the outdoor experience.
To help you make this important decision, we've listed the most important considerations:
- Purpose: Are you looking for a fully-fledged new room for the whole year, or a sheltered spot to enjoy the garden?
- Budget: A fully insulated stone structure is usually more expensive than a lighter aluminum or wooden roof.
- Permits: The rules for a closed structure are often more complex than for an open porch, depending on your municipality and the size of the project.
- Light: A veranda often lets more light through to the existing home, while a closed extension can darken the rear façade if large windows are not used.
Ultimately, choosing an extension or porch depends on the specific context of your neighborhood and which solution best supports the long-term market value of your home.
Types of extensions with a veranda
The technological opportunities in the construction sector of 2026 make it possible to work with various materials and structures. The choice of the type of extension determines not only the atmosphere, but also the durability and maintenance of the structure for the coming decades.
The functional porch extension
A modern veranda extension is often seen as an extension of the living space, partially breaking through the existing rear façade. It is an effective way to 'open' the living room to the garden. Such an extension of the veranda focuses on transparency; slim profiles and large glass surfaces ensure that the indoor-outdoor feeling is optimal.
In 2026, we will see many minimalist designs where the roof of the extension seamlessly merges into the canopy. This creates a sleek interplay of lines that gives the home a modern, architectural look. It is the ideal solution for urban homes where the garden is limited, but where you still want to make the most of the available outdoor space.
Wooden extension with porch for a natural look
Wood remains an unabated popular choice because of its warm appearance and durable properties. A porch extension often uses high-quality types of wood such as Douglas, Larch or thermally modified wood. A wooden veranda is perfect for both rural and modern homes and offers a natural charm that is hard to match with metal or plastic.
In addition, wood offers excellent constructive possibilities. It can easily be combined with glass and steel for an 'industrial' look. When you opt for a wooden solution, there are a number of things we will pay extra attention to in 2026:
- Durability class: We only use wood that is resistant to the humid Dutch climate to prevent rotting.
- Finish: Modern glazes and oils ensure that the wood retains its color or, on the contrary, ages in a beautiful, even way.
- Construction: Heavy beams in sight give the porch a robust and authentic character.
These wooden elements contribute to a healthier indoor climate and an atmosphere of peace and security, which is essential for a successful relaxation zone.
The extension with porch as a combined whole
The most advanced solution is an extension with a porch where, from the first sketch, both elements have been designed as one architectural unit. This means that the foundation, roof structure and drainage are fully coordinated. The result is a smooth whole with no visible transitions or awkward connections.
Such a project often involves working with a continuous floor level. The tiles in the new interior space run seamlessly under the porch, visually doubling the space. Thanks to innovative glass sliding walls that can disappear completely into the wall, the home can literally be opened on hot days. This provides an unprecedented level of comfort and an abundance of natural light in the heart of the home.
Conclusion
In 2026, an extension with a veranda is the ultimate way to transform your home in the Netherlands into a modern, light and valuable living environment. Whether you opt for a robust wooden construction or a minimalist glass design, the gains in living pleasure are immediately noticeable. It is an investment in comfort that pays for itself through the increased market value and the savings in energy costs through improved insulation.
Are you ready to explore the options for your home? At BrickNest, we are happy to help you translate this vision into a concrete plan. We will guide you through the entire process, from the initial design and the permit application to the final realization. Contact us today for a consultation and find out how we can take your living space to the next level.
