A little light relief. A glimpse of the ceiling to a double height gallery space to a London townhouse is part of our latest full house refurbishment. An Air Source Heat Pump has replaced the gas boiler and dormer mounted solar panels contribute to the client’s responsive and sustainable energy solution. A very welcome government grant of £7,500 is in the post.
An inclined exposed timber roof structure informs the interior and extends outside to form a garden pergola extension to the South-facing terrace in East Ham. As well as providing a passive solar shading device to the interior the rafters create a wonderful shaded terrace overlooking the garden. A slight offset to the rafter lines informs the pergola orientation to shade the interior from the sun path, which align with the wide boarded engineered timber floorboards to provide a visually interesting interior.
The client’s character informs the interior with a distinctly retro style with a touch of the Scandinavian influence complimenting a way of living, pairing its minimalist form with affordability. Add to that distinctive mid-century modernist furniture provides simple lines and natural materials to offer natural warmth across the interior.
forresterarchitects recently completed a full refurbishment of a Grade II listed townhouse located in the West Square Conservation Area in South East London. The project included an interesting addition to the dining room, where the traditional fire and hearth were replaced with an open flame rotisserie.
The refurbishment aimed to retain the original charm and character of the townhouse, while enhancing the kitchen and dining space located on the lower ground floor. This area was limited in natural daylight, so the forresterarchitects had to carefully consider the materials used and the placement of features to make the most of reflected light. The addition of the open flame rotisserie to the dining room created an informal and entertaining heart of the house. The new kitchen and dining space were designed to be more appropriate for modern living, as many townhouse kitchens are too small or poorly configured. forresterarchitects took a considered approach to material choice, selecting materials that would complement the existing features of the townhouse while contributing to the desired atmosphere of the space. The result is a tasteful and practical design that maintains the townhouse’s original character while improving its functionality.
The project retains the original charm and character of the property, while enhancing the kitchen and dining space to create an inviting and functional heart of the house. Thoughtful material selection and attention to detail has resulted in a practical and beautiful space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
forresterarchitects have recently completed an extensive refurbishment project for a period cottage in Surrey, which was previously divided into two. The client’s brief was to retain the traditional features of the property while upgrading the five bedrooms with new bathrooms. forresterarchitects created a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the main reception room with two back-to-back open fireplaces and a new antique parquet floor. The family rooms were also connected through this floor, providing a seamless transition between spaces.
In the rear section of the property, an open-plan layout was introduced, connecting the family and garden rooms to the large island kitchen. This has provided a comfortable and spacious area for the family to gather, relax and entertain guests. The kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances and a large island counter, making it a functional and practical space for everyday use. forresterarchitects also added a dormer conversion to the roof, creating a new master bedroom and ensuite that overlooks a large landscaped garden. This new addition has provided a private retreat for the homeowners to relax and unwind in the comfort of their own home. Throughout the refurbishment process, forresterarchitects were careful to preserve the period features of the cottage, including the exposed beams and traditional brickwork. forresterarchitects worked closely with the client to ensure that every aspect of the renovation was carried out with precision and care, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that has been restored to its former glory.
The cottage refurbishment is a perfect example of how traditional features can be preserved while still creating a modern and comfortable living space. The project has breathed new life into the property, transforming it into a functional and stylish home that meets the needs of the modern family.
A rear extension to North London has been designed to respond directly to its immediate context. The full house refurbishment and rear extension has been configured as one distinct volume and is expressed in a clay-tile cladding. The large format Danish clay tile, as a traditional hand made material, is contextually sympathetic to the palette of the materials to adjacent townhouse rear garden. The roof form is configured to take advantage of the unrestricted southwest facing aspect. Under the roof, a double height volume allows the warm air to rise naturally to the highest point of the roof space and then circulate to maintain a consistent room temperature. To the rear the kitchen is the main focal point to the house, the garden and a modest garden studio provided as a home working space.
forresterarchitects has been tasked with refurbishing and extending the Coach House, a detached stone house located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The property boasts several charming features, including stone fireplaces, exposed stone walls, timber beams, and stone window seats. However, a full interior refurbishment is required, and a Green Oak extension will be added to the rear of the Coach House.
forresterarchitects drew inspiration from the surrounding area’s light industrial and agricultural forms to create a simple, sustainable extension that complements the existing structure. The new addition will feature a sustainable drainage solution for surface water, which will utilise natural drainage techniques to collect, treat, store, and slowly release stormwater into the environment. The Green Oak barn extension will be designed with the key principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility in mind. The extension will be in harmony with the surrounding area, featuring a timber clad roof and utilising local materials such as Cotswold stone. The project will provide a well-proportioned building that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
In summary, forresterarchitects will undertake a full refurbishment of the Coach House while adding a Green Oak extension that is designed to be sustainable and environmentally responsible. The extension will provide a simple architectural response that is in harmony with the surrounding area and showcases the beauty of the Cotswolds AONB.
forresterarchitects has designed a new rear garden pergola extension that takes full advantage of the orientation of the property located in East Ham, East London, in the borough of Newham. The extension has been carefully planned to allow the garden to receive sunlight throughout the day, from early morning to late evening, as the sun moves across the sky to the west. The extension has been designed to improve the visual connection between the house, the garden, and the sky beyond.
The pergola extension is characterized by a series of layers that frame views and create a strong sense of connection between the interior and the garden. The design takes into consideration the orientation of the property and the movement of the sun throughout the day. An exposed roof structure extends into the garden to form a garden pergola that provides a passive solar shading device to the interior. The pergola will protect the interior from direct sunlight while allowing for natural light to enter the space. The design will also help to regulate the temperature of the interior space, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.
The garden pergola extension will provide a beautiful and functional addition to the property. The pergola will create a shaded outdoor space that can be used for dining, relaxation, and entertaining. The extension will also enhance the visual appeal of the property, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the garden. The design will provide a contemporary and stylish solution that is sympathetic to the existing property while providing a new and exciting space for the owners to enjoy.
forresterarchitects have developed a unique design solution for a corner plot in Temple Cowley, Oxford. The project involved creating a one-bedroom flat extension that considered the site constraints imposed by the irregular property demise. The feasibility studies revealed that a conventional rear extension would obstruct access to the rear garden or potentially conflict with the neighboring property.
Instead, forresterarchitects designed a new addition that allows for the reconfiguration of the existing floor plan. The dining and lounge areas are located between the bedroom and extension to provide a bright and airy living environment. Additionally, the new extension provides a second bedroom and a dedicated studio/library for the academics. The design solution is considered and well-executed, providing a considered response to the unique challenges of the site. By creating a one-bedroom flat extension that works with the property’s irregularities, forresterarchitects were able to maximize the space available and provide a comfortable and functional living environment. The addition of a second bedroom and dedicated studio/library adds value to the property and meets the client’s specific needs.
The owners of the top floor flats to Cliff Road, together, aim to improve the quality of the existing housing stock. A new roof extension is proposed to the existing flat roof terrace. It provides bright and airy living rooms to the new roof space. Each flat currently provides one bedroom accommodation. Both flats, as part of the planning submission, will carry out a full refurbishment as part of the works as each property requires modernisation. Both flats will be modestly reconfigured to improve the accommodation and sanitary provision.
forresterarchitects is currently working on an undercroft conversion project in Khandallah, a suburb in Wellington, New Zealand. The site is situated on the hills of Khandallah and boasts a lower ground floor undercroft that currently remains under-utilised. forresterarchitects plan to convert this voided space into a one-bedroom studio flat, thus realising its full potential. The studio flat will be accessible via its own front door, providing a simple conversion to the colonial style house.
The converted undercroft will provide rental income to the highly sought-after neighbourhood in Wellington. With a large enough volume, the undercroft is ideal for accommodating the exposed hillside. The conversion will help to unlock the space’s potential and increase the value of the property. Our vision for the undercroft conversion involves creating a spacious and functional living area that blends seamlessly with the existing colonial-style house. The design will be sympathetic to the house’s existing features, while incorporating modern amenities and finishes to ensure maximum comfort for the occupants. We are working closely with the client to ensure that their vision for the undercroft conversion is realised. They will provide expert advice on planning and construction, ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
The undercroft conversion project in Khandallah is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an under-utilised space. The converted one-bedroom studio flat will provide a valuable addition to the property, creating a unique living space that is both functional and attractive.