Time Out, New London Architecture (NLA) and The Building Centre are inviting submissions for a new competition 'Don't Move, Improve!', which aims to find London's best and most innovative home extensions.

The competition is open to architects and homeowners who have completed home extensions in London within the last five years, as well as to architects and designers with conceptual ideas for creating more space to live. This includes building on top of, underneath, on the side or back of buildings, as well as ideas like green roofs which provide additional space as well as improving insulation.

This fits in with Boris Johnson's planning strategies which highlight that we need to make better use of the space we have in Central London and use urban space more effectively. The competition aims to demonstrate that extensions don't need to be boring brick boxes; they can be well-designed, innovative and exciting pieces of architecture.

Judging

Projects will be judged by an eminent jury, including Tony Elliott, Editor of Time Out, Peter Murray, Chairman of NLA, and Michelle Ogundehin, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decoration magazine, within eight categories:

- Most Imaginative
- Most Sustainable
- Best Use of Brick
- Best Use of Timber
- Best Use of Glass
- Best Use of Concrete
- Best Green Roof
- The Best Idea (un-built)

Prizes

40 shortlisted projects will be featured in Time Out magazine and showcased in a two month exhibition at NLA from December 2009 - January 2010. The winning projects will be announced at a drinks reception in the NLA galleries.

Shortlisted architects will also be invited to take part in a day of ‘Don’t Move, Improve!’ events which will take place at NLA in January with free surgeries on home extensions provided by architects, lectures from designers, advice on being more green and energy efficient, and displays of latest products and materials.

The eight winning practices will be awarded with a 12 month membership of NLA (value: £1000). Winning homeowners will be awarded with gift vouchers for a high-end furniture retailer.

How to Enter

- Projects can be submitted by filling in an entry form on the NLA website.
- An entry fee of £100 applies to each project submitted
- Projects can be conceptual, proposed, under construction or complete. Completed projects must have been completed within the last five years (since September 2004)
- Projects must be based within Greater London
Deadline: Friday 16 October 2009