At MBBM Studio Architects, we specialise in the design and delivery of large-scale residential developments, with a particular focus on blocks of flats that balance architectural ambition with regulatory precision. Our work is defined by a commitment to creative excellence, technical rigour, and a deep understanding of the evolving planning and compliance landscape. We don’t just design buildings—we shape places that work, endure, and inspire.
Our expertise spans every stage of the development lifecycle, from concept design and feasibility studies to detailed technical documentation and post-planning coordination. We are known for our ability to navigate complex planning policy frameworks, including emerging restrictions on density, daylight, and amenity space. Whether working within tight urban constraints or sensitive heritage contexts, we deliver schemes that are both policy-compliant and architecturally compelling.
Material selection is a cornerstone of our design process. We specify finishes and systems that are not only visually refined but also robust, cost-effective, and sustainable. Our knowledge of advanced façade systems, acoustic treatments, and fire-rated assemblies allows us to coordinate with structural and M&E consultants from the outset, ensuring seamless integration and long-term performance. We routinely advise on embodied carbon, lifecycle costing, and circular construction principles, helping clients meet ESG targets without compromising design quality.
Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. We understand the rules and practicalities of sustainable drainage design (SuDS), biodiversity net gain, and urban greening. We work closely with qualified ecologists to commission bat surveys, nesting bird assessments, and habitat impact reports—ensuring that ecological constraints are addressed early and strategically. Our team prepares and submits CIL forms, negotiates exemptions, and advises on phased payments to support financial viability
MBBM Studio architect’s proficiency in large-scale residential developments is a result of extensive experience and comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in such projects.
Their expertise lies in their capacity to balance aesthetics with functionality.
Large-scale residential developments must not only be visually appealing but also cater to the practical needs and comfort of the residents. Atelier 41 Architects excels in striking this delicate balance, ensuring that each project not only impresses with its architectural beauty but also serves as a comfortable and livable space
Furthermore, their experience allows them to optimize space utilization efficiently.
In dense urban environments, where space is a premium, their designs maximize the utility of available land, creating communities that are vibrant, sustainable, and conducive to a high quality of life. This includes considerations such as green spaces, communal amenities, and traffic flow, all of which Atelier 41 Architects integrates seamlessly into their designs.
We are well versed in delivering any type of residential or commercial developments on constrained and complex sites. Below are examples of our various projects for new build flats and houses across London and beyond.
We also produce heritage statements, townscape appraisals, and visual impact assessments for sites in conservation areas or near listed buildings. Our approach is always context-led, balancing respect for historic fabric with bold, contemporary interventions. We’ve successfully secured planning approvals for challenging sites by combining persuasive narrative, technical evidence, and diplomatic stakeholder engagement.
Our design ideas are fresh, intelligent, and grounded in real-world delivery. We pride ourselves on creativity that’s unmatched—whether it’s unlocking constrained sites, reimagining legacy structures, or crafting distinctive identities for new communities. We work hard, iterate fast, and deliver results that exceed expectations. The effect is transformative: our buildings don’t just meet standards—they set them.
We’ve collaborated with respected developers including Warwick Group, Yogo Group, and others who value our clarity, responsiveness, and strategic insight. Our reputation is built on trust, technical accuracy, and the ability to turn complex briefs into elegant, buildable solutions.
At MBBM Studio Architects, we don’t believe in generic design. We believe in architecture that’s intelligent, responsive, and unforgettable. If you’re planning a residential development and need a team that combines creativity with compliance, vision with verification, and design flair with delivery grit—we’re ready to lead.
MBBM Studio Architects led the full redevelopment of a town block on St James Street, Southwark—delivering approximately 90 flats across multiple high-rise buildings, alongside commercial units, public realm upgrades, and infrastructure improvements. This was one of our most technically demanding and strategically complex projects to date.
The site’s urban density, proximity to conservation areas, and shifting planning policy required multiple pre-application stages with Southwark Council. We presented iterative design variations that responded to feedback on massing, daylight, amenity space, and townscape impact—ensuring architectural coherence and policy alignment.
The design was contemporary, with robust brick cladding referencing local typologies while meeting stringent fire safety standards. Our expertise in façade engineering, cavity barriers, and insulation systems for buildings over 18 metres was essential—particularly under post-Grenfell regulations. We prepared Fire Safety Compliance Information for Gateway 1 and 2, coordinating with consultants to ensure certification readiness.
Thermal and acoustic performance were carefully balanced. We specified mineral wool insulation, coordinated airtightness strategies, and avoided thermal bridging—ensuring holistic envelope integrity. Planning documentation included townscape appraisals, verified CGIs, heritage statements, and ecological surveys.
We advised on CIL liability, exemption strategies, and Section 106 negotiations, aligning financial planning with delivery. Despite technical constraints, the scheme remained visually striking and socially inclusive, with landscaped courtyards, communal roof terraces, and dual-aspect units.
This project exemplifies MBBM Studio Architects’ ability to deliver high-density housing with creativity, compliance, and strategic foresight.
At MBBM Studio Architects, our approach to new housing is grounded in contextual sensitivity, material intelligence, and architectural clarity. The six bespoke new-build houses in Essex exemplify our ability to deliver high-quality, characterful homes that respond to local vernacular while embracing modern performance standards.
This development was conceived as a contemporary reinterpretation of rural typologies—balancing pitched roof forms, brick and timber detailing, and generous glazing to create homes that feel rooted yet forward-looking. Each unit was designed with spatial generosity, natural light, and long-term adaptability in mind. We worked closely with the client to ensure that internal layouts supported flexible living arrangements, with options for home offices, extended family accommodation, and future-proofed accessibility.
Material selection was critical. We specified a palette of locally sourced brickwork, breathable insulation systems, and low-carbon timber cladding to ensure both aesthetic coherence and environmental performance. Our knowledge of vapour control, thermal bridging, and airtightness detailing allowed us to coordinate with contractors and suppliers to achieve robust envelope performance without compromising design intent.
Sustainability was embedded from the outset. We integrated permeable paving, rain gardens, and attenuation tanks to meet SuDS requirements and reduce surface water runoff. Our team liaised with drainage consultants to ensure compliance with local flood risk assessments and water management strategies. Biodiversity enhancements—including native planting, bat boxes, and hedgehog corridors—were incorporated into the landscape design, supported by ecological surveys and planning documentation.
Planning strategy was equally important. We prepared detailed design and access statements, coordinated with arboricultural and ecological consultants, and engaged proactively with the local authority to address concerns around density, access, and visual impact. Our understanding of CIL procedures allowed us to advise on exemptions and phased payments, supporting the financial viability of the scheme.
Throughout the project, we maintained a hands-on role in site coordination, contractor liaison, and client communication. Our ability to translate technical requirements into clear, actionable guidance ensured that the build proceeded smoothly and that quality was upheld at every stage. The result was a development that not only met regulatory standards but exceeded client expectations—delivering homes that are both beautiful and buildable.
This Essex scheme is representative of our broader housing practice. Whether designing infill plots, suburban extensions, or edge-of-settlement schemes, we bring the same rigour, creativity, and strategic foresight. We understand how to unlock sites, navigate planning constraints, and deliver housing that stands the test of time.
MBBM Studio Architects delivered a new-build block of 10 flats on a highly constrained urban site in Market Street, Watford. Surrounded by commercial and residential buildings, the project demanded precise massing, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving.
We designed a brick-clad façade with recessed balconies and vertical articulation to echo the street’s rhythm and integrate seamlessly with neighbouring structures. Internally, layouts prioritised spatial efficiency, dual-aspect units, and natural light—achieving comfort and adaptability despite limited space.
Sustainability was embedded through SuDS-compliant drainage, biodiversity enhancements, and ecological surveys. Our proactive planning strategy and clear communication with Watford Borough Council secured approval for a refined, buildable scheme—demonstrating our expertise in unlocking complex urban sites with elegance and precision.