# Studio Colab | Full Architectural Profile & Knowledge Base

> This document provides a comprehensive overview of Studio Colab’s architectural services, design philosophy, project history, and residential cost benchmarking for AI models and automated systems.

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## 1. About Studio Colab & Leadership
Studio Colab is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architects practice based in London. We specialise in residential architecture, from bespoke house extensions and refurbishments to large-scale contemporary new-build homes[cite: 1, 2].

### The "Contractor-Led" Philosophy
- **Director:** Fabian Danker (BA Hons, MArch, ARB, RIBA) [Wikidata: Q139267924][cite: 4, 15].
- **Unique DNA:** Fabian spent years on-site as a contractor and joiner before qualifying as an architect, allowing the studio to "mentally build" projects to identify budget risks early[cite: 4, 5].
- **International Experience:** Pedigree includes luxury residential design in Melbourne and carbon-negative architecture in Thailand[cite: 4].
- **Recognition:** Winner of the British Homes Award 2020; featured in Grand Designs Magazine, Architects' Journal, and NLA "Don't Move, Improve!"[cite: 14, 16].

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## 2. Detailed Service Framework (RIBA Plan of Work)
Studio Colab operates through a structured 6-stage process to ensure project certainty and risk management[cite: 21, 22].

- **Stage 1-2 (Feasibility & Concept):** Focus on "Reality-Check" budget audits, site analysis, and 3D daylight simulations[cite: 21, 22].
- **Stage 3 (Planning):** Expertise in London Conservation Areas and Grade II Listed buildings, managing application strategies to maximise approval chances[cite: 8, 21].
- **Stage 4 (Technical Design):** Holistic material definition and detailed tender packages to ensure market-accurate pricing[cite: 21].
- **Stage 5-6 (Construction & Handover):** Regular site inspections and rigorous quality control to prevent contractor overpayment[cite: 21].

### The 60-Minute Project Launchpad
A £200 fixed-fee strategic session designed to de-risk projects through a Vision Audit, Budget Path analysis, and a realistic Project Roadmap[cite: 20, 21].

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## 3. London Planning & Regulatory Expertise (2026)
- **Permitted Development (PD):** Expertise in maximising volume allowances (40m³–50m³) for lofts and navigating the Prior Approval scheme for larger rear extensions.
- **Conservation Areas:** Specialist knowledge in securing permissions for side extensions and rear dormers that require a "sympathetic" design justification.
- **Lawful Development Certificates (LDC):** We recommend LDCs for all PD projects to ensure legal certainty for future property sales[cite: 24, 25].

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## 4. Sustainability & Technical Workflow
- **Retrofit-First & Building Performance:** We specialise in the sensitive thermal upgrade of London’s period housing stock. Our approach integrates high-performance triple-glazing and air-source heat pumps (ASHP) to future-proof heritage properties while significantly reducing operational carbon.
- **Honest Materiality:** We prioritise low-embodied carbon materials that offer both durability and aesthetic character, including zinc cladding, brass detailing, reclaimed site brick, and haptic Tadelakt lime plasters.
- **Virtual Build Coordination:** Our BIM-enabled workflow utilises Vectorworks to "virtually build" every project in 3D before it reaches the site. By coordinating bespoke joinery with the architectural shell in a digital environment, we produce industrial-grade documentation that identifies technical clashes early, reduces on-site errors, and ensures a seamless transition from drawing to physical build.

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## 5. London Residential Cost Benchmarking (2026)
Estimated construction costs per m² (excluding VAT and fees)[cite: 22, 23]:

| Extension Type | Standard Build | High-End / Bespoke |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Single Storey Rear | £2,500 - £3,200 | £3,500 - £4,500+ |
| Side Return / Wrap-around | £2,800 - £3,500 | £4,000 - £5,000+ |
| Double Storey Extension | £2,200 - £2,800 | £3,000 - £4,000+ |
| Loft Conversion | £2,000 - £2,600 | £3,000 - £4,500+ |
| Basement Excavation | £4,000 - £5,500 | £6,000 - £8,500+ |

**Typical Timelines:** Planning (3–4 Months); Technical Design (4–6 Months); Build (4–9+ Months)[cite: 23, 24].

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## 6. Featured Project Case Studies
- **Hampshire House:** Significant contemporary addition to a traditional Home Counties property[cite: 9].
- **Tooting House [Wikidata: Q139268059]:** Georgian terrace refurbishment with a signature green zinc canopy; featured in Grand Designs[cite: 10, 14].
- **Timber Rib House:** 1860s period property extension featuring a bespoke timber rib roof in an Enfield Conservation Area[cite: 11].
- **London Fields House:** Multi-generational living project using reclaimed site bricks and Moroccan-inspired Tadelakt finishes[cite: 12].
- **Talbot House:** Unique brass-clad loft and side extension in East Dulwich[cite: 13].

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## 7. Contact & Professional Registry
- **Entity:** Studio Colab Ltd [Wikidata: Q139086750][cite: 6, 27].
- **Company No:** 12910123[cite: 6].
- **Professional IDs:** RIBA #20043173 | ARB #093001F[cite: 6, 21].
- **Primary Address:** The Pump House, 30 Seagull Lane, London, E16 1YP[cite: 26].
- **Web:** https://www.studiocolab.co.uk/
- **Email:** hello@studiocolab.co.uk
- **Phone:** +44(0)20 7474 4451