Wright & Wright Architects has completed a three-year, £40 million masterplan project at Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The project aimed to improve accessibility, reduce operational energy use, and support the Church of England’s net-zero carbon target. The Grade I listed complex, parts of which date back to the 12th century, underwent extensive conservation and repair works.
The project included the refurbishment of the 17th-century Great Hall, with repairs to the timber roof structure, replacement of 1,450m2 of floorboards, and cleaning and repair of 800m2 of stonework. A new energy center was introduced, featuring three air source heat pumps, 160 double-glazed windows, and 140 salvaged radiators. According to the project team, 39 tonnes of timber were recycled over the course of the works, avoiding an estimated 20 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
As part of the project, new infrastructure was added to improve accessibility, including a ramped entrance, four lifts, DDA-compliant WCs, and a Changing Places bathroom. These additions aimed to address long-standing physical access issues across the site. Stephen Smith, partner at Wright & Wright Architects, said, “Transitioning Lambeth Palace towards becoming a zero-carbon site represented a considerable challenge. The spirit of this complex retrofit can be captured by the adage ‘If we want things to stay the same, things will have to change’.”
Leanna Boxill, conservation architect at Wright & Wright Architects, noted that the masterplan acknowledges the evolving needs of the Palace’s users, prioritising comfort, accessibility, and reduced carbon emissions, while retaining its significant architectural and cultural heritage. The project team included Arup and contractor Walter Lilly, who worked together to deliver a “fabric first approach” to improve the building’s performance and demonstrate “how world class sustainability can be delivered in an historic building”.
Image Courtesy: bdonline.co.uk
