Patalab Architects

Patalab Architects Patalab is an innovative London based architectural practice, delivering intelligent and memorable design solutions. www.patalab.com

Patalab Architects is a pioneering architecture practice founded in 2008. We design and deliver transformative projects around London, the UK and Europe. www.patalab.com
www.linkedin.com/company/patalab-architecture
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03/07/2026

Bulgarian Church: Lighting Explorations

Achieving an ethereal atmospheric quality for the new Bulgarian Orthodox Church was just as critical as resolving its complex geometry.

The original concept by Archetypes Design cleverly embedded a dual purpose within the 432 prismatic voussoirs:
• Emitting and diffusing natural daylight from generous skylights above through larger geometric openings by day.
• Adopting faceted surfaces to beautifully reflect artificial light in the evening.

During our digital exploration phase, we ran comprehensive lighting analyses using advanced unbiased rendering software. This allowed us to precisely review the internal lighting configurations — from highly structured fractal patterns to an organic, starry-night scatter. Ultimately, we ensured the resultant light levels honoured the design intent without creating overwhelming glare or falling into deep shadow.

Watch the light studies unfold, and comment 'CHURCH' below for a direct link to the full case study 🔗






Bulgarian Church: Digital Craft & Sacred GeometryNavigating a tight, listed mews property in South Kensington required a...
01/07/2026

Bulgarian Church: Digital Craft & Sacred Geometry

Navigating a tight, listed mews property in South Kensington required a spatially inventive approach. To counteract the limited footprint of the new Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the original design concept by Archetypes Design ingeniously adopted a principle of forced perspective.

Inspired by Baroque masterworks like Borromini’s Palazzo Spada, a sloping floor combined with vaulted ceilings that gradually decrease in scale manipulates visual perception. This creates a profound sense of liturgical depth, making the sanctuary feel vastly larger than reality.

Finished in a hand-crafted lime render, these sweeping vaults naturally draw the eye through the space and upwards to the architectural centerpiece: a mesmerizing 3D-printed fractal dome. Composed of 432 prismatic voussoirs, it captures and diffuses light, crowning the space. Swipe through the carousel to explore our technical sections and see exactly how this spatial illusion was resolved.

Swipe through the carousel to explore our technical sections and see exactly how this spatial illusion was resolved.

Comment 'CHURCH' below to receive a direct link to the full case study 🔗

Construction:
CNC Fabrication:






29/06/2026

Bulgarian Church: Bridging the gap between conceptual design and buildable reality.

For the new Bulgarian Orthodox Church, we were tasked with constructing a complex, “forced perspective” vaulted ceiling inside a tight, listed mews property in South Kensington. Traditional methods would have proved too costly and imprecise, so we shifted the complexity into the digital domain.

Our solution is a true hybrid of digital craft and traditional finish. We engineered a parametric waffle structure featuring 230 unique, CNC-milled ribs. This prefabricated kit-of-parts ensured rapid, millimetre-perfect assembly on site. After skinning the skeleton in CNC-cut Aeroply, we applied a hand-crafted lime render for an organic, tactile finish. Finally, the space is crowned by a stunning 3D-printed fractal dome made of 432 prismatic voussoirs.

Watch the reel to see the fabrication process unfold, and comment 'CHURCH' below to receive a direct link to the full case study 🔗

Construction: Pro Construction
CNC Fabrication: Orange Tree Joinery








Notting Hill VillaA subtle dialogue between heritage architecture and quiet, contemporary sophistication.Transforming th...
24/04/2026

Notting Hill Villa

A subtle dialogue between heritage architecture and quiet, contemporary sophistication.

Transforming this early-Victorian property required a reimagined approach to volume and light. By lowering the lower-ground slab and introducing expansive rear and side extensions, we established a newfound lateral flow. Panoramic sliding glass doors now seamlessly connect these heightened living spaces to the verdant remodelled gardens.

The interior architecture is defined by uncompromising attention to detail. Traditional skirting boards have been eschewed in favour of precise shadow gaps, creating a crisp, minimalist aesthetic. This rigorous approach is carried through to the floor-to-ceiling pivot hinged doors, maintaining unbroken lines and a seamless visual continuity between rooms.

Celebrating the delicate interplay of light and shadow, the pared-down material palette combines heavily patinated bronze, bespoke marble installations, and reeded glass. Together, these elements provide a quiet, beautiful backdrop for our client’s curated artwork, bringing a sense of timeless tranquillity and rigorous architectural precision to this Notting Hill home.

Beautifully captured by .

Project Team & Suppliers:
Interior Design: .merckx
Landscape Design:
AV Consultant:
Construction: .c.construction
Structural Engineer: Sinclair Johnston & Partners
Services Engineer: Thurgood Design
Cost Consultant: Deacon & Jones
Terrazzo:
Metalwork:
Staircases & Balustrades:
Stonework:
Timber Flooring: &
Joinery:
Ironmongery:
Taps:
Brick:

🔗 Find out more about the project on our website.






Address

15 Garrett Street
London
EC1Y0TY

Telephone

+442072532036

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