Lambeth Architects

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Author: Amrit Marway, Architect, AA Dipl RIBA

ARB registration no. 077479K

Amrit is currently leading a sensitive refurbishment and basement extension to a historic detached house in Chelsea. She has considerable experience working on residential projects in London and has recently designed a housing-led regeneration scheme in Barking and Dagenham.

Contact me: 020 3637 4236

Introduction

Contact us if you require Lambeth architects for your house extension or refurbishment. Architecture for London is an RIBA Chartered Practice with a strong track record with the Lambeth planning team.

We are experienced in navigating key local planning and conservation requirements and have a significant number of residential planning approvals in the borough: please see our recent planning approvals in Lambeth.

We design high-quality, sustainable homes, and our work ranges from improving period properties to creating new build houses.

brick rear extension architect — Our red brick rear extension in a conservation area

Our residential projects in Lambeth:

At Milton Road, SE24, we designed a side return extension for a Victorian property. The client’s brief was to maximise natural light and create a sense of openness within the kitchen area, whilst creating an improved connection between the indoor living space and the garden.

The project successfully incorporated a new polished concrete external terrace that mirrored the internal floor finish.

interior design living room georgian — Our living room interior in a neo-Georgian House

At Cleaver Square, SE11, a comprehensive scheme of structural and aesthetic alterations was undertaken. The work included the demolition of a rear mansard roof, the enlarging and recladding of the previous ground floor extension, the addition of a new dormer roof extension, and the incorporation of bespoke joinery within the bedrooms. This project was a complex adaptation of the existing building to meet our client’s requirements while respecting its historic setting.

At Claverdale Road, SW2, our project included a single-storey rear and side extension together with the erection of a new side boundary wall and removal of the existing chimney stack.

At Claylands Road, SW8, we completed a new infill extension to replace a conservatory at the rear of the site, with improvements to windows at both ground and first floor. This project was in the St Marks Conservation Area.

arches house extension islington — Our side return kitchen extension in brick, stone and oak

Lambeth architects: planning permission

For any significant residential alteration or extension, securing Lambeth planning permission is a crucial first step. Lambeth Council assesses all applications for extensions and alterations based on several core criteria: the quality of the design, the size of the extension compared to the host building, and its impact on the surrounding neighbourhood character.

It is worth noting that some minor residential works may fall under permitted development rights, which allow certain home improvements to be carried out without a full planning application. However, these works must still comply with specific volume, size, and material regulations.

Due to the complexity of the planning process and the detailed nature of these requirements, hiring a qualified Lambeth architect is highly recommended. An experienced professional can ensure compliance with local regulations, significantly increasing the likelihood of approval.

Mews house brick architect design — Our rear extension to a Georgian cottage

Key Design Principles for Successful Extensions

When an extension is being considered, adhering to the following design principles is recommended to increase the likelihood of a successful planning approval:

Respect Existing Architectural Features: The extension should be designed carefully so that it does not unduly compromise any existing architectural features of historic or visual merit, such as decorative mouldings, window detailing, or original facade elements.
Material Harmony: The materials chosen for the extension can either match the existing building materials (e.g., brick type, roof tiles) or provide a carefully considered, high-quality contrast that complements the original structure.
Mitigating Impact on Neighbours: A primary concern in planning is the impact on neighbouring homes and properties. In Lambeth, architects must design extensions to avoid overshadowing (blocking natural light to neighbouring windows or gardens), overlooking or creating an unacceptable sense of enclosure.

lambeth glass extension house — Our glass side return extension in Claylands Road, Lambeth, SW8

Lambeth Architects: Heritage

Lambeth is a borough rich in architectural heritage, encompassing 62 conservation areas that collectively cover over a third of its total area. Notable heritage assets include Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, alongside significant post-war landmarks such as the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall. Interestingly, 75% of the borough’s listed buildings are residential properties.

The borough also features 8 registered parks and gardens, including the well-known Brockwell Park and the grounds of Lambeth Palace itself.

architect designed kitchen with terrazzo worktops and oak cupboards and stainless steel tap — Our bespoke stone and oak kitchen in a Grade II listed house

Lambeth listed buildings

Lambeth boasts a rich architectural heritage, encompassing over 2,000 listed and 380 locally listed buildings. The architecture predominantly dates from the 19th century, characterised by Georgian terraces in the north and Victorian villas to the south. Entrances and facades are a notable focus of design in the area.

Architecturally, many mid to late 19th-century residential buildings in Lambeth frequently feature rear extensions with “closet returns,” and often incorporate purpose-built basements at the rear of the property.

low energy house: an architect designed Edwardian retrofit with passivhaus principles showing stained glass door — Our sustainable refurbishment: Low Energy House

Lambeth’s residential architecture is predominantly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Older properties, particularly in the northern areas, were often built using stock brick and stucco render and are typically energy inefficient. Distinctive boundary features of 19th-century homes include cast iron railings or, for suburban villas, timber posts and gates.

To address the issue of energy inefficiency from poor insulation, gas boilers, and fossil fuel-generated electricity, the council is promoting a “fabric first” retrofitting approach. This strategy aims to help Lambeth achieve carbon-neutral homes by 2030.

stone bathroom design ideas minimal design with fluted stone and solid block stone basin sink in a low energy house — Our contemporary limestone bathroom at Low Energy House

Lambeth architects: Architectural character

The London Borough of Lambeth combines modern regeneration with historic buildings, featuring bustling streets, green spaces, and a focus on sustainable and safe design.

Lambeth’s suburban areas expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries. Until the 18th century, it was a rural hamlet known for market gardens and rural estates. The 20th century saw the further development of the Dulwich Estate. Today, town centres are crucial areas of heritage, displaying strong urban character and housing numerous landmark buildings. Over recent years, areas of south London such as Brixton and Peckham have benefited from regeneration and increased in popularity.

Lambeth house extension architect south London — Lambeth architects: house extension in Milton Road SE24

A considered and contextual design approach is essential when undertaking external alterations within a borough as historically significant and architecturally diverse as Lambeth. Our successful extension projects blend modern functionality and aesthetic improvement with a respect for the area’s unique heritage.

Discover Architecture for London’s projects. If you are looking for Lambeth architects and would like to discuss your project, please contact us.