Building Within the Rules — and Still Making It Beautiful
Hampstead Garden Suburb isn’t just a postcode — it’s a planning environment all of its own. The architectural language is consistent and carefully protected. The streets feel calm, the materials chosen, and the proportions meticulously judged.
At DOR Architects, we understand this landscape deeply. We know how to work with the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, Barnet Council, and Conservation officers — not against them. We design additions, upgrades and internal reconfigurations that meet modern living standards while respecting historic character.
We don’t force modernity where it doesn’t belong. But we also don’t settle for lifeless pastiche. We design with subtlety, craft, and the right amount of restraint.
“The client wanted a new kitchen extension — ‘just something subtle.’ But when you’re working in Hampstead Garden Suburb, even ‘subtle’ has a process.”
Where We Work in the Suburb
We work throughout the Suburb, including:
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Central Square, The Orchard, Heathgate, and Meadway: Alterations to listed or Trust-controlled homes
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Northway, Southway, and Winnington Road: Discreet extensions, reconfigurations, and landscape coordination
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Boundary properties along Falloden Way & Hoop Lane: Projects requiring dual consent from Barnet and the Trust
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Garden developments and garage conversions: Often with visual impact restrictions
Whether it’s a side return, full-home upgrade, or a light-touch modernisation — we design within the rules, but not without vision.
Planning in Hampstead Garden Suburb: The Key Considerations
If you’re working on a property within the Suburb boundary, you’ll be dealing with two levels of approval:
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The Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust – which regulates aesthetics, materials, fenestration, boundaries, and landscaping
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Barnet Council – for statutory planning permission and building regulations
Key constraints include:
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Strict controls on external changes, including doors, windows, materials and colours
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Design guides specific to road or block (especially in the Central Area)
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Restrictions on roof lights, solar panels, and visible extensions
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Tree and boundary treatments requiring prior approval
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Basement works scrutinised for structural and aesthetic impact
We manage both applications concurrently and advise on the nuances that make a design more likely to succeed.
Why Choose DOR Architects for the Suburb?
We understand that the most successful projects in the Suburb are not the loudest — they’re the ones that work beautifully without disturbing the harmony.
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Deep experience with HGS Trust protocols and design language
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Refined, timeless design grounded in Suburb precedent
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3D visualisation (BIM) for Trust and Council submissions
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Carefully composed planning narratives and supporting material
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Empathetic approach to design in heritage-sensitive environments
We act as your advocate — with design intelligence, calm communication, and respect for both process and place.
Our Process for HGS Projects
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Feasibility & Suburb Review
We begin with a detailed review of the Trust guidance, your property’s precedent history, and your goals. -
Dual Submission Strategy
We prepare aligned submissions to both the Trust and Barnet Council — often anticipating requested revisions before they’re raised. -
Technical & Interior Design
All technical packages are prepared with heritage sensitivities and Suburb-appropriate materials and junctions in mind. -
Construction Oversight
We work with experienced contractors and provide site guidance to ensure your consented design is delivered without deviation.
Let’s Shape Something Subtle, Lasting and Approved
Whether you’re planning a sensitive extension or a subtle reconfiguration, we’ll help you realise it beautifully — and in full alignment with Suburb guidance.
We’ll help you make confident decisions, navigate consents, and design something you’ll be proud to live in.
FAQs – Hampstead Garden Suburb Architecture
Yes. Even small external changes typically require approval from the HGS Trust. We can advise on what’s likely to be accepted.
Possibly — but it depends on your property type, location, and precedent. Side, rear and loft extensions are sometimes possible but must be sensitively designed and carefully justified.
The Trust handles architectural character, while Barnet handles statutory planning and Building Regulations. Both must approve most proposals.
Absolutely. We often design kitchen layouts, rework staircases, and reorganise floorplans — especially where space is limited or subdivided.