We’re constantly updating our blog with the latest news, our best designs and most recent projects. Find out what’s going on at Lapworth Architects right here!
Although controversial, infilling in villages in the Green Belt offers a partial solution to the housing crisis in the UK – but it’s not appropriate in every case. Why we should build on parts of the green belt The discussion around the housing crisis in England isn’t going away any
PCCs are not just limited to new build homes, lenders are increasingly requesting them to raise finance on refurbishment projects, as was the case for this extension in Solihull PCC Case Study: Refurbishment and extension in Solihull Our client was a respected local developer who decided to refurbish and extend
A granny annexe can provide flexible accommodation for your family – but do you need full planning permission? Find out the answer to one of our most popular enquiries right here. A granny annexe can provide a practical and affordable solution for homeowners to provide self-contained accommodation to members of
Extending a bungalow is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners thanks to their generous spaces, large plots and ease of planning. This flexibility offers homeowners the chance to double the size of their home without extending the bungalow into the garden, or affecting their neighbours. This potential to really expand living
Changes in 2020 mean that if your property is a house, you are now free to build extra storeys under PDR, making investing in more space or building apartments a whole lot easier. What are the new Permitted Development Rights to extend homes upwards? As of 31st August 2020, the
Ranking top on national quality of life surveys, with its stunning houses, great schools and Sutton Park, let’s see why Sutton Coldfield is a fantastic place to live. Content coming soon! We’re working hard researching and writing to bring you great articles on architecture, Birmingham and the West Midlands. Check
Improvements to local infrastructure are now funded by this contribution applicable to new developments – find out if it’s likely to be applicable to your project with our quick guide. The Community Infrastructure Levy is a levy which some local authorities in England and Wales charge on developments to fund
Why choose timber windows? Whether you live in a conservation area or a new build house, in any home, and today’s engineering means that the old drawbacks – single-glazed, draughty thin pines – are no more. Nowadays, timber windows come with solid guarantees and greater security for your peace of
Got your planning permission? Now you’ll need Building Regulations drawings to make sure your build meets national standards for building quality. What are Building Regulations? Building Regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to buildings in the UK. Any project you undertake must adhere to them Building Regulations
A Professional Consultant’s Certificate can help you access finance on your home without the hassle of an NHBC warranty – it’s a quick and affordable way to raise a mortgage.
This scheme for three spacious family homes in Aldridge on a private road on the outskirts combine great design, ecology and planning expertise from our team Planning Permission Approval! We’re very happy to announce that one of our development projects for three homes in Aldridge has been given planning permission
Now that the housing market in Birmingham and the West Midlands is starting to grind back into action, we’re seeing more and more clients looking for a professional architect’s advice on a property they’re looking to refurbish or extend, either for themselves or as an investment. Why getting an architect’s advice
Inclusive design solutions that futureproof your home and ensure access and comfort are a key part of long-term planning for renovations, extensions and new builds. Inclusive design solutions – what are they? Inclusive design is all about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical ability, can have easy access to
Making use of your Permitted Development Rights? Get a Lawful Development Certificate now to avoid headaches in the future. It’s quick, simple, and affordable. What is a lawful development certificate? A lawful development certificate (also known as a certificate of lawfulness) acts as a form of official proof signed by your
On one of the most desirable streets in Sutton Coldfield, we’re working on a fantastic project to restore an iconic building on the private Little Aston estate – design work is in progress! Modern extension design for a top conservation area A lot of the work that we do at
What third parties are involved in architect’s projects? When you start a project with Lapworth, we are not only your architects, but also your lead consultants. We look to assemble a team of experts that complement our design work by bringing their knowledge and experience to make sure that your
Looking for inspiration? Of course, we include our own in our top architecture blogs, but we’re going for practical guides to help clients find out more about what they can build and why they should work with us. These are our top blogs for inspiration and keeping on top of
The new use classes are designed to make it easier for similar types of buildings to be converted and to reduce the burden of paperwork on local councils to make redevelopment easier. On the 21st July 2020 the government published the The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations
Garage conversions are perfect for extra downstairs space for a home office, games room or spare bedroom – they’re cost-effective and simple to do. Check out our garage package price! Make the most of your downstairs space A garage conversion is a great way to gain extra pace downstairs without
High-quality inclusive design can transform a person’s life, allowing them to live in comfort independently, or providing the accommodation required to meet their needs. Inclusive Design for Deputies and Solicitors Lapworth Architects strive to provide inclusive design solutions for deputies and solicitors and people incapacitated due to health issues or
New homes for Walsall town centre Local Birmingham architects and property developers are looking to transform unused office space in Walsall town centre into sustainable apartments in line with council masterplan to transform town post-Covid and revive high street fortunes with mixed-use developments. Lapworth Architects and Kalam Family Property Developers
PWAs require experience and knowledge to ensure a safe build. Daunting as they seem, our experts can save you a huge amount of stress, and can even keep your neighbours on side. What is a Party Wall Agreement? If you’re planning on doing any building work that affects your neighbour’s
Our most frequent enquiry comes from homeowners looking to extend without the hassle and time involved in getting planning permission from their local authority. Find out how much you can extend by in our helpful guide. Whether you’re staying put, or have just moved in to your new pad, plenty
New Permitted Development rules have opened up the possibility of creating thousands of new apartments on existing buildings – great news if you’re a landlord or developer looking to expand What are the new rules on 2 storey extensions on apartment blocks? From 1st August 2020 a new permitted development