Conversion of loft to extend space in existing house
Retrofit & Extension in Cockermouth Conservation Area
A detailed black and white architectural sketch of a house and neighboring buildings, showing a deck, trees, and rooflines.

Designing low-energy homes for people and the planet

Top-down view of a spiral staircase with wooden steps and white railings leading down to a lower floor with wooden flooring.
Architect desgned sensitive bespoke retrofit design for a 18th century farmhouse bungalow in Cumbria

Sustainable Architecture for Low-Energy Homes, Renovations and Retrofits

Architecta is a sustainable architecture practice specialising in low-energy home renovations, retrofits, extensions and new homes. We work with homeowners across Cumbria, Cambridge and the wider UK, helping them improve comfort, reduce energy use and future-proof their homes.

Our work combines architectural design, retrofit expertise and building physics, allowing us to support projects from early feasibility through to construction. We design homes that are warmer, healthier to live in, and cheaper to run without compromising character or quality.

View our Projects
Logo of AECB with the slogan 'building knowledge' on a green background.

How We Help

Many of the homes we work with are cold, inefficient, or no longer fit the way people live today. Others need more space, better layouts, or a clearer plan for meeting energy and climate targets.

We help homeowners navigate this by providing clear advice, thoughtful design, and a structured process whether you’re planning a modest renovation or a full retrofit.

Our approach combines:

  • fabric-first energy improvements

  • natural and low-carbon materials

  • careful consideration of older and traditional buildings

  • practical solutions that work within real budgets

The result is a home that is warmer, cheaper to run, healthier to live in, and futureproof.

Book an initial consultation

What We Do

Sustainable materials and architecture for your house renovation

Thinking about renovating or retrofitting your home?

  • Initial consultation concept sketch

    Initial consultation

    We believe in understanding your desires, aspirations, and budget firsthand, which is why we prefer to meet with you in your home and have a conversation. This approach allows us to understand your project and align our vision with yours.

  • Architectural floor plan of a proposed loft layout, featuring a bed, bathroom, and kitchen area.

    Design and Planning

    Following working through your project brief we create design options for you to explore the possibilities of your site or home. We allow you to choose and tailor the design to your preferred option. We then create a pack of drawings and where necessary submit them to your local planning authority for approval.

  • Row of brick houses with dormer windows, a wooden fence, and autumn trees.

    Construction

    Once approved, we will proceed to draw up the technical specifications for review by Building Control. This comprehensive set of drawings can then be tendered to contractors to obtain quotes. Upon securing contracts, we will be available to provide assistance throughout the build as much or as little as you need.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, extending your home, or exploring how to improve energy performance, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.

Get in touch to book an initial consultation and start shaping a home that works better for you and the planet.

Contact us.

We’re here to assist you in creating sustainable, functional, and beautiful spaces that align with your vision and values. Whether you’re looking at a new build Passivhaus project or a bespoke retrofit to improve the energy efficiency of your home, get in touch we would be delighted to help you.

Please fill out the form or email us at hello@architecta.uk

Client

“Architecta were superb in helping me understand what I needed to retrofit my home. They were clear concise and very approachable, making the process quite enjoyable. Would definitely recommend!”

Contractor

“It's really refreshing to receive such detailed drawings and info - It makes my job so much easier and is a great start to delivering a really high quality project.”

Logo of AECB with the slogan 'building knowledge' on a green background.