The £700,000 Lazzat project is a strong example of how Imperium Engineering approaches commercial to residential conversion with precision, creativity, and care. Transforming a former restaurant into a luxury private residence, the project showcases our expertise in structural redesign and sustainable refurbishment.
Project Highlights:
- Complete conversion of a former restaurant into a private home
- Rear extension integrated with existing load-bearing elements
- Full internal reconfiguration for residential functionality
- Hard and soft landscaping for cohesive outdoor living
- High-end finishes throughout, inside and out
Adaptive Reuse with a Residential Focus
The project was not just a fit-out—it was a complete structural overhaul. We were tasked with turning a space built for commercial food service into a comfortable, modern, and spacious home. This required a complete rethink of the internal load-bearing structure, including the relocation of primary walls, the insertion of steelwork, and the strengthening of floor spans.
As part of our residential structural design, we worked closely with architects to ensure that the layout was not only visually appealing but also supported by robust engineering principles. Spaces were opened up to allow natural light to reach the deepest areas of the property, while new zones were created to meet the client’s lifestyle needs.
The result is a building that feels purpose-built for residential use—even though it began as a commercial restaurant.
Sustainable Building Retrofit
This project also highlights our commitment to sustainability through adaptive reuse architecture. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, we retained its shell and built around it—preserving valuable embodied carbon and reducing construction waste.
We also integrated energy-efficient systems throughout the home, including advanced insulation, smart heating controls, and low-energy lighting. These features ensure that the home meets the expectations of modern occupants while contributing to broader environmental goals—a key focus of any well-executed sustainable building retrofit.
Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Living
To complement the reimagined interior, we provided structural design services for the landscaped garden and rear extension. This helped to transform the external space into a usable, attractive extension of the home. The hard landscaping includes integrated retaining walls, patio zones, and step transitions that support a more cohesive and functional outdoor environment.
Outcome
From June 2024 to March 2025, our engineers oversaw structural works, advised on sequencing, and ensured all detailing met UK residential building regulations. We balanced technical demands with design intent, ensuring all interventions blended seamlessly into the final aesthetic.
This type of restaurant to home conversion demands a unique combination of problem-solving, creativity, and technical discipline qualities our team brings to every project.
The Lazzat project represents everything we stand for at Imperium Engineering: creative design thinking, structural excellence, and sustainable transformation. It’s a perfect example of how tired commercial properties can be reinvented into high-end residential homes—breathing new life into existing buildings while setting new standards for comfort and performance.
Project completed: March 2025
