Smart Solutions for Small-Site Architecture

As a London architecture studio in one of the world's most densely populated cities, we understand first-hand that space is a rare commodity. With land at a premium, making the most of limited space is both a design challenge and an investment.

In terms of housing, demand far exceeds supply. Planning policies often look to urban sites for development, aiming to limit the impact on green spaces and provide access to local infrastructure. Compact and sometimes awkward plots are becoming key opportunities for creative development.  It is in these conditions that architects and designers must find innovative solutions to maximise the potential of small footprints.

At OVS, we specialise in unlocking the potential of tight urban plots that are often overlooked or considered too complex. Here are some of our smart solutions for small-site architecture.

Context is Key

Whether designing a family home on a small plot or developing a commercial development on an infill site, understanding context is key.

We begin every project with in-depth contextual research, assessing planning constraints, rights of light, and heritage or conservation considerations. The site’s dimensions, orientation, access points, and surrounding buildings all influence our unique approach.

Take, for example, our feasibility design for an exciting new development in the charming town of Tongham, Surrey. Tongham Manor thoughtfully responds to its unique context by reconfiguring a corner plot to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding built environment. Blending contemporary design with traditional architectural elements, the design utilises local materials and forms to reflect the town’s historic character. This sensitive approach ensures the development enhances the area while meeting modern housing needs.

Navigating Planning

Designing developments on tight plots in London means understanding complex planning frameworks that include conservation and heritage protections, conservation area guidelines, permitted development rights, backland development restrictions, and London-borough-specific regulations.

At OVS, we are well-versed in planning policies and London borough-level development frameworks. With a 97% success rate at planning permission, we have secured approvals for developments others thought impossible.

We specialise in designing and delivering successful developments across London and the UK. Our expertise spans site analysis, planning strategy, and high-quality architectural design, ensuring your project is both feasible and well-received by planning authorities.

Check out our 7 Ways to Secure Planning Permission on Challenging Development Sites and our services page for more information.

Go Vertical

In areas with tight footprints, particularly in inner London boroughs, building upwards rather than outwards is often the only feasible option.

Our Urban Refuge project involves a distinct focus on verticality. Creating a series of single-storey, two-storey and loft extensions to an already grand end-of-terrace house, we intersected spaces with a double-height atrium. These vertical interventions not only enhance natural light throughout the day but also create a dynamic interplay of volumes and geometries. This innovative intervention allows the house to evolve spatially and atmospherically, providing a calm yet expressive refuge tailored to our client’s needs.

We love to combine aesthetics and functionality by layering spaces. Mezzanines, split levels, extensions and roof terraces increase the flow of light and space. By using double-height volumes strategically, we create dramatic interiors without sacrificing practical floor space.

Space Efficient Layouts

Even with tight constraints, layouts can be optimised. By carefully considering how a building needs to function, flexibility, longevity, and space can be built into a well-designed layout. Some space-efficient design options include open-plan ground floors, multi-purpose adaptable rooms, modular furniture, built-in storage, concealed utilities, as well as bifold windows and doors.

At OVS, we always consider how the space needs to grow with its occupants – a vital factor in urban intensification and long-term sustainability.

Embrace Natural Light and Outdoor Space

In dense boroughs and urban areas, natural light and outdoor access are essential for well-being and planning approval.

Skylights, internal courtyards, and side-return glazing ensure even the most narrow site feels bright and welcoming. This not only improves the feel of a space, but it can also enhance potential planning outcomes.

Daylight assessments are often required during the planning process to show compliance with Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidelines.

Two neighbours came together to undertake joint extensions to their butterfly-roofed terrace houses in Lambeth in our Double Trouble project. The design places a strong emphasis on light, transforming previously dark interiors through simple, pared-back extensions that maximise glazing and reduce visual bulk. By introducing double-height spaces and carefully considered openings, the result is a heightened sense of volume and brightness within tight, compact homes. Despite differing client needs, both houses now celebrate natural light as a unifying design element, enhancing spatial quality while respecting the historic, paired character of the terrace.

Making the Most of Small Sites

Developing on tight plots is about more than squeezing in space; it is about designing for families, futures and communities. With considered layouts, planning awareness, and local knowledge, even the smallest site can deliver big results. Get in touch with OVS today to see how we can help provide smart solutions for your project.