THE BLOG

23
Jul

A long overdue refurbishment complete with new basement floor is added to a Villa in the Mercers Conservation Area.

Villa Refurbishment | Architects of Islington | Mercers Conservation Area, North London

forresterarchitects have been commissioned by a commercial client to carry out a full internal and external conservation refurbishment of their elegant Victorian villa in Tufnell Park, North London, located in the Mercers Conservation Area. The client’s brief was to preserve and enhance the original period features of the house, which required a meticulous and sensitive approach to the project.

The architects worked diligently to reinstate lost decorative features and to decorate the villa with paints from a Victorian palette that would complement the character of the house. The conservation refurbishment involved extensive work to restore the exterior and interior of the property to its former glory, with a particular focus on preserving the original period details. The architects also worked closely with the client to ensure that any new features and finishes were sympathetic to the villa’s heritage and did not detract from its historical charm. This involved carefully selecting materials and finishes that would blend seamlessly with the existing architecture and period details. 

The end result is a beautifully preserved and enhanced Victorian villa that is a testament to the architects’ skill and expertise in conservation refurbishment. The project showcases an attention to detail and commitment to preserving the character and heritage of historic buildings, which is vital in maintaining the cultural and architectural richness of our urban environment.

01
Jun

A lower ground conversion flat with an under utilised terrace in the Hampstead Conservation Area. Bring it in from the cold.

Lower Ground Conversion | Architects for Hampstead | Hampstead Conservation Area, North West London

forresterarchitects has recently completed the renovation of a lower ground floor flat in the Hampstead Conservation Area, located in North West London. The original property was a one bedroom private dwelling with access to a private garden, but the proposal aimed to create a two-bedroom private dwelling with an extended kitchen and improved sanitary accommodations.

To achieve this, the internal layout of the property was reconfigured to provide a larger kitchen extension with direct access to the terrace and garden through sliding/folding double glazed units. Additionally, the former kitchen space was reconfigured to create a new bedroom with direct access to the garden. The aim was to extend the property demise to provide more space for the improvements. Sanitary accommodations were also improved and increased to provide a larger bathroom and an en-suite to the master bedroom. With these changes, the property has been transformed into a modern and comfortable dwelling that meets the needs of contemporary living. The Hampstead Conservation Area is known for its architectural and historical significance, which makes it an ideal location for architectural projects.

The renovation of the lower ground floor flat in Hampstead, North West London has created a comfortable and modern two-bedroom private dwelling with an extended kitchen and improved sanitary accommodations. The renovation is a perfect example of how contemporary living spaces can be created while preserving the character of a historically significant area.

 

21
May

Yoo Hoo! A luxury refurbishment to a penthouse in St. Johns’ Wood.

Penthouse Refurbishment | Architects for Westminster | St John’s Wood, North West London

forresterarchitects are undertaking a prestigious residential development project for a luxury penthouse apartment located in St. John’s Wood, North West London. The client requires a fresh approach to enliven the space, and a simple muted palette is deemed more suitable to their tastes. The existing Rococo interior will be replaced by a large open plan configuration that offers a sharp contrast to the previous opulence.

The new luxury refurbishment design aims to create a sense of privacy and exclusivity. One of the design features is the inclusion of secret doors, which provide access to the other bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. forresterarchitects have approached the project with a focus on creating a sleek, modern design while preserving the luxury feel of the penthouse. The muted color palette, combined with the open plan configuration, enhances the sense of spaciousness and airiness in the apartment. The new design will also incorporate the latest in smart home technology, including lighting, sound, and temperature controls, to provide the ultimate luxurious living experience.

The location of the penthouse in St. John’s Wood is a sought-after residential area, and forresterarchitects have taken care to create a design that fits in seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. The end result will be a luxurious penthouse apartment that offers a perfect balance of modern design and opulent living, creating an unparalleled living experience in one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

18
Apr

A mansion block refurbishment is reconfigured in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area.

Mansion Block Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Bloomsbury Conservation Area, West Central London

forresterarchitects recently completed the refurbishment of a mansion block in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, West Central London. The flat was spacious and had a south-facing aspect, but its communal lightwell provided inadequate light levels to the interior. To address this issue, forresterarchitects introduced large sliding doors to the living and kitchen rooms, creating a more open-plan layout and allowing natural light to flood across the depth of the flat.

The reconfiguration also involved modernising the bathrooms and providing fine joinery wardrobes that complemented the bedrooms. The new kitchen layout included the incorporation of a walk-in larder, increasing the overall area of the kitchen. These changes not only resolved the light issue but also enhanced the functionality and aesthetics of the flat. As the flat is located in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, it was crucial to ensure that the refurbishment was in keeping with the area’s historic architecture. forresterarchitects carefully selected materials and finishes that complemented the existing features of the building. The result is a modern and elegant living space that respects the historic context of the surrounding area.

The success of this project is a testament to forresterarchitects expertise in designing sympathetic and practical solutions for refurbishments in historic areas. Their attention to detail and sensitivity to the existing architecture have resulted in a beautiful and functional space that meets the needs of the client while respecting the historic context of the area.

01
Apr

A little retail therapy for a boutique retail refurbishment in Mayfair.

Retail Refurbishment | Architects for Westminster | Mayfair, West London

forresterarchitects have recently finished a refurbishment of Rupert Sanderson’s boutique shop in Central London. The aim was to create more office space for the growing international business, so an upgrade to the power and data infrastructure was necessary. Additionally, a new first-floor gallery space has been created to showcase upcoming fashion collections.

The project involved creating more office workstations, which required a complete overhaul of the space. forresterarchitects designed a new layout that maximised the available floor area, ensuring that the new workstations were both functional and stylish. The power and data infrastructure is upgraded to accommodate the needs of a modern retail business, ensuring that the store can handle the pace of growth it is currently experiencing.

One of the main features of the refurbishment is the new first-floor gallery space.  This space was specifically designed to showcase Rupert Sanderson’s latest fashion collections. The new gallery space is a modern and stylish addition to the store, with a minimalist design that showcases the collections in an elegant and sophisticated way. The space is well-lit and airy, providing the perfect backdrop for the latest fashion trends. forresterarchitects worked closely with the client to ensure that the space was tailored to their specific needs and requirements, while also being visually appealing to customers.

Overall, the retail refurbishment for Rupert Sanderson’s Central London boutique shop is a success. The new workstations, upgraded infrastructure, and first-floor gallery space have transformed the store into a modern and functional space that can accommodate the growing demands of the business while also providing a visually appealing environment for customers.