After 70 years without significant updates, Lambeth Palace faced critical infrastructure failures that threatened its historic fabric. A major Lambeth Palace refurbishment project was initiated to restore this national treasure.
Lambeth Palace, the London office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, has been a place of prayer, hospitality and ministry for nearly 800 years.
In 2022, the first major refurbishment of the Grade I listed building in over 70 years began to address failing infrastructure, make the building accessible to all, and meet the Church of England’s commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030.
Sustainability, heritage and accessibility
In this video, learn about how the project was managed, how it’s improved life at Lambeth Palace and even some of the hidden historic discoveries that revealed themselves during the project.
Net Zero commitment and sustainable design
At the core of the refurbishment was a comprehensive sustainability strategy. A new Energy Centre, powered by three air-source heat pumps, now supplies the entire site, replacing gas heating. A 2 km-long underground network of insulated heating pipes distributes warmth across the campus, aided by energy-efficient trench heaters and 140 refurbished radiators.
More than 160 single-glazed windows were replaced with double-glazed sash windows that combine airtight performance with historic sensitivity – achieved through collaboration with Historic England. Roofs and walls were insulated, rainwater is now harvested for flushing toilets, and 39 tonnes of timber were recycled – reducing emissions by 20 tonnes of CO2.
Solar panels were discreetly installed on the roof. These sustainability interventions have cut annual CO2 emissions from 647,000 kg to 233,000 kg – with projections to reach 81,000 kg when the project is fully complete. Greywater recycling and efficient electric kitchens further enhance the site's energy profile.
Improving accessibility to a historic site
Ensuring equal access to Lambeth Palace was a critical aim. Stone ramps now provide step-free access to the main entrance, and lifts throughout the site are fully accessible. Twenty-six new toilets were installed – including DDA-compliant and Changing Places bathrooms – ensuring visitors, residents, and staff can navigate the building safely and with dignity.
The interior redesign included levelling the flooring and widening passageways where needed. These changes are largely invisible from the outside, preserving the appearance of the Grade I listed buildings while significantly improving functionality.
Preserving Lambeth Palace’s heritage
Protecting the Palace’s ancient fabric was a central priority. The team adopted a ‘fabric-first’ strategy – retaining original features wherever possible and repairing with traditional materials and techniques. Conservation included 1,450m² of floorboard replacement, 800m² of stonework restoration, and over 13,500m² of careful plastering and painting.
Craftspeople from across the UK – including stonemasons, joiners, and plasterers – collaborated with apprentices on site. This ensured traditional skills were preserved and passed on. Original fittings, such as bookcases in the Great Hall, were repurposed as wall panelling, demonstrating a circular approach to conservation.
Vaulted ceiling showcasing decorative white plaster ribs and gilded bosses in a geometric pattern.
The grand entrance to Lambeth Palace.
Craftsperson in safety gear restoring the ornate vaulted ceiling of the entrance hall.
Close-up of the front door to Lambeth Palace restored to original masonry.
Archaeological discoveries during the refurbishment
The scale of construction allowed for the most comprehensive archaeological investigation of Lambeth Palace ever conducted. Coordinated with Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), the dig uncovered more than 240 historic wall segments from the 11th to 19th centuries, along with medieval decorative fragments and the tiled cloister floor that may have been walked upon by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Archaeological discoveries added layers of complexity to the project after excavations for the new service trench unearthed significant artefacts and remnants dating back to the 12th century, including remains of the medieval palace walls. Close collaboration with MOLA and Historic England ensured these discoveries were recorded, protected, and incorporated into revised design strategies.
A model for sustainable heritage retrofit
This holistic refurbishment project not only safeguards the Palace for future generations but also serves as a model for sustainable retrofit of listed buildings across the UK. It demonstrates that accessibility, environmental responsibility, and heritage preservation can coexist – even in sites of extraordinary cultural significance.
