The Blore Building and Cloister

Architect Wright & Wright Architects

Location Lambeth Palace, London

Service Full Ironmongery Service

Date 2025

Photography Neil Kenyon

The Project

  • Complete renovation and extension
  • Improved accessibility and services
  • Creation of an energy centre containing three air-source heat pumps
  • New double glazing

Lambeth Palace, official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for more than 800 years, is one of the UK’s most significant Grade I-listed sites. Wright & Wright Architects led the sensitive refurbishment of the Blore Building and cloisters, addressing urgent repair needs while enhancing functionality, comfort, and long-term resilience.

  • The Brief

    Following their work on the award-winning Lambeth Palace Library in 2021, 3V Architectural Hardware were appointed to deliver an ironmongery specification that balanced heritage stewardship with modern performance, ensuring consistency across the Palace campus.

  • Much of the original ironmongery remains integral to the building’s character; therefore, every piece was carefully surveyed and assessed. Only items that could no longer perform their functional or compliance duties were replaced.

Retained & Restored

Original fittings that remained structurally sound were retained. This preserved significant embodied carbon and ensured the tactile authenticity of the historic building remained intact.

Replacement & New Installations

Where replacement could not be avoided, 3V selected ironmongery that complemented the architectural character while achieving modern performance levels.

New components were selected with refined profiles, traditional design cues, and robust construction to ensure longevity and seamless integration.

3001 Pull Handle

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Antique Brass

For historic areas, chosen to harmonise with the naturally aged patina of existing ironmongery and the rich timber panelling, deep reds, and warm neutral tones that define the Palace interiors.

Satin Stainless Steel

For the new restroom facilities, matching the contemporary specification used in the Lambeth Palace Library and distinguishing new spaces from historic ones.

  • Close

    3001 516.809.019.3001.xxxx.SSS 'D' Shaped Pull Handle

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    076.7004 800.100.076.7004.SSS Unisex Symbol

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    076.7003 800.100.076.7003.SSS Disabled Symbol

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    3001 516.809.019.3001.xxxx.SSS 'D' Shaped Pull Handle

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    076.7005 800.100.076.7005.SSS Shower Symbol

https://3varchitecturalhardware.com/case-studies/the-blore-building-and-cloister/