Across London and the UK, a growing number of homeowners and developers are reimagining historic buildings, turning former churches, chapels and industrial buildings into homes. A conversion keeps the fabric of the original building and puts modern living inside it.
At NU Projects, we’ve always been drawn to the architectural storytelling that comes with conversions. Whether it’s vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, or exposed brickwork, these spaces carry a history that is worth keeping rather than covering up.
But conversions are not without their challenges. Working within the constraints of listed buildings or conservation zones demands careful planning, experienced craftsmanship, and a deep respect for what came before. This is where the team you appoint has to have done it before.
We have seen rising demand for adaptive reuse. Clients come to it for the layouts, the ceiling heights and the features a new build cannot copy.
What makes a successful conversion? It’s all about balance. Retaining elements that anchor the building’s original identity while introducing light, flow, and functionality. Think minimalist kitchens nestled beneath timber beams, or open-plan lounges that sit beneath arches once designed for choirs.
Done well, a conversion reads as a building with two lives rather than a pastiche of either one.
If you are considering a conversion, or have your eye on an unusual building, we can talk you through what it would take.
Our services page sets out what we cover.
To talk to the team, send two lines through the contact form. You can also call 020 7731 6841. We usually reply within a few hours, weekends included.
Published 25 July 2025. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.