Hello,

We are going to be rebuilding the extension on our terraced home. The house is about 150 years old with an existing 2mx6m kitchen-bathroom extension from the 1950s/1960s.

I have some roots in home construction, but am from Florida, USA, so I am lost on some topics. My husband is an engineer and will oversee the project. Home design is an obsessive hobby of mine and I am using Chief Architect software for the application to the local council for planning permission. We live in a middle class area and homes are around £180,000 to £220,000. We plan to retire in seven years and sell so we want something solid, but basic.

Could someone please educate me what the thinnest possible exterior wall size is? I'm trying to understand the difference in solid wall construction, brick & block, and also the basic layers of what materials make up a decent, insulated wall. We have such a small area, we need every inch of interior space we can get. The diagrams online are too general , non-specific or not answering my basic question.

I am asking a lot and so, let me thank anyone who has time to educate me!
Warmly,
Jackie