Architecture for London has a number of current projects for private homes in Westminster.
At Albion Street in Bayswater we are extending and renovating a Grade 2 listed Georgian house. A three floor rear addition in brick and oak provides a new guest bedroom, kitchen and first floor home office. The high specification fit out includes a Bulthaup kitchen and a cinema room with integrated AV equipment.
View Architecture for London’s portfolio of residential projects in west London.
Architects in Westminster
Recent projects in the borough include house extensions, refurbishments, mansard roof additions, and the substantial rebuilding of a large mews house. Our architects work in all areas of Westminster, including:
- Soho, Mayfair and Marylebone W1
- Belgravia and Pimlico SW1
- Bayswater and Paddington W2
- Maida Vale W9
Westminster planning policy
Architecture for London has worked on numerous projects in Westminster and have expertise in local planning issues. The borough has produced much helpful guidance for homeowner projects, including a number of residential design SPGs in relation to works in conservation areas and advice on the protection of historic buildings.
Belgravia house extension
Basements in Westminster
Basement extensions are increasingly common throughout London and the high values property values in Westminster mean there is significant pressure for this type of development.
| Due to the borough’s proximity to the river, there are, however, some locations that are unsuitable for basements due to flood risk issues. |
It must be established whether there is a flood risk before proceeding with an application for basement excavation. Difficulties may arise if the property is located in a flood risk zone or a surface water flood risk area. Basements will not usually be supported in flood zone 3. In flood zone 2, basements may be supported if appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken.
The ‘Basement Development in Westminster‘ Supplementary Planning Document gives a comprehensive overview of the planning issues in relation to basement developments in the borough. Westminster architects should be aware of this publication as it sets out a number of technical design and construction criteria that should be adhered to when submitting a planning application.
A Georgian house extension in Albion Street, Westminster by Architecture for London
The SPD aims to make sure that the environmental impact of construction is monitored and carefully managed.
| To maintain adequate planting and surface water drainage in the garden, a minimum of 1m soil depth plus a further 20cm drainage layer will usually be required over basement extensions. |
Where a basement is proposed for a single house (rather than a flat) that is not a listed building, the proposal may fall within Permitted Development Rights if it meets certain design criteria. In this case, a planning application may not be required.
Roof extensions
Westminster also produce helpful guidance on roof extensions, for example adding an additional storey with a mansard roof. Detailed maps are provided illustrating where roof extensions are not acceptable (without exceptional justification). Where they may be considered acceptable, further detailed advice is given on appropriate design and detailing of roof extensions.
A mansard roof extension in Maida Vale, Westminster by Architecture for London
Architecture in Westminster
Historic context
There is a wide diversity of housing stock in the borough, ranging from 20th-century social housing, some of notable quality, to large areas of eighteenth and nineteenth-century architecture, often stuccoed terraces, with mews streets behind.
| The great estates had much influence in the development of Westminster, with Belgrave Square and others forming impressive set pieces. |
Thomas Cubitt’s vision for Belgravia was one of elegant taste in the Regency style. Cubitt designed streets and squares with buildings unified to form the impression of large palazzo façades, rather than being identifiable as individual terrace homes.
The estates of Mayfair, Marlebone and Belgravia were developed largely in the 1700’s. Westminster’s link with the industrial heart of England via the Regents Canal in the early 1800’s resulted in significant further development around the canal and Paddington and Victoria stations.
Westminster project architects: Matt McAleese, Christian Brailey
Current AFL projects in Westminster can be viewed on our residential page.