Lambeth Council's planning committee gave unanimous approval to the scheme, which involves retrofitting, part-demolition and extension of Walker Housein Vauxhall, south London, earlier this month (17 March).The practices consented scheme includes retention of the faade and structure of 91, 93-95 and 97 Vauxhall Walk and the demolition and redevelopment of 83-89 Vauxhall Walk to create a larger five to six-storey building.Three buildings will have two-storey roof extensions, creating five and six-storey buildings, while the fourth new block will be six storeys tall. Overall, this will increase floorspace by 617m2on the 3,930m2 site.AdvertisementAn active ground floor will be introduced in the form of retail space, a new entrance and caf for Walker Books, which has occupied the site for 37 years.Gibson Thornley said this will allow the publisher to have greater outreach with local schools and families while upgrading a set of buildings that have beenadapted to in an ad hoc way following their original uses for industry. Energy performance will also be improved.The practice said the development, which is aiming both BREEAM and NABERS accreditation, will have a whole-life carbon of approximately 580 kgCO2/m (A1A5), below the Greater London Authority (GLA) threshold, and targets the aspirational benchmark of 600 kgCO2/m.Cross-laminated timber will be used where new structure is added, resulting in a 55 per cent reduction in embodied carbon compared with traditional methods.Matt Thornley, co-founder of Gibson Thornley, said: The project is an exciting opportunity for working with an ambitious owner/occupier to create a sustainable headquarters that looks outward, making better connections to the community. The proposals draws on the heritage of the site, creating robust but elegant extensions that enhance the character of the local area.AdvertisementWalker Books director Mike McGrath said: We are delighted the team has gained approval from Lambeth. We have been in Vauxhall for over 30 years and this project allows us to create a building that looks forwards. The revitalised building will allow greater community outreach and support local SME businesses.Site view:Project dataClient Walker BooksArchitect (lead consultant) Gibson Thornley ArchitectsLocal authority LambethDevelopment manager TrigonDevelopment partner KingshottMechanical and electrical engineer HydrockStructural engineer Heyne Tillett SteelSustainability consultant HydrockPlanning consultant DP9Heritage consultant KM HeritageCost consultant BeadmansFire engineer HydrockPrincipal designer Project Four SafetyTransport consultant CaneparoApproved inspector SWECOPublic engagement Lowick Group