An ambitious townhouse refurbishment has reconfigured the conventional London townhouse hierarchy for modern living by incorporating an Air Source Heat Pump for a sustainable future.
The London townhouse has some issues with its thermal performance, and with the client we were determined to address them through this refurbishment. As energy costs continue to rise, the project is an opportunity to reevaluate the house’s thermal efficiency and steer clear of relying on a gas combination boiler.
Ensuring a sustainable future is of utmost importance to them, so they’re keen on making their house as energy efficient as possible. The focal point of their day to day life will be a spacious open plan lower ground floor. It will provide a bright and airy environment, centred around the kitchen, lounge and dining room extension.
To create this wonderful space, the kitchen is located centrally in a stunning double-height area, achieved by removing part of the raised ground floor. A new mezzanine leads to a unique metal staircase leading down to the new bespoke Danish made kitchen units, dining room, and extension. The new rear extension is constructed with highly insulated timber framed construction. A distinctive pyramidal shape provide a visual interesting roof that leads to a large glazed top light, allowing unobstructed views of the sky. Beyond the new extension, a new garden studio provides a dedicated workspace. It utilises the same highly insulated timber framed construction as the extension, ensuring energy efficiency is maintained throughout all the new elements of the home.
To the top floor the existing roof has been completely rebuilt with a new rear dormer conversion, improving the insulation of both the roof and walls to the highest standards while preserving the floor space. Each bedroom is equipped with custom-made wardrobes that cleverly utilise the generous roof void space. To reduce their reliance on electricity, solar PV panels have been mounted on the large dormer roof conversion. These panels contribute to the sustainable energy strategy and lessen the environmental impact of the house as a whole.
A new timber framed roof terrace will provide a new vibrant and functioning commercial venture to the rear of the existing warehouse building. There is a desire to introduce an external roof terrace space to allow fresh air and daylight into the large landlocked building. Securing a successful planning approval for the elaborate roof terrace structure and awning will provide the motivation to invest and reinstate new state of the art recording studios. This in return will foster increased local employment and sustain Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment facilities within the local area.
A south facing roof-space offers a perfect location and orientation for a roof terrace structure. To improve the overall visual appearance of the roofscape a sedum garden roof will extend along the length of the building. In addition, a series of beehives will be introduced which will contribute to a balance between nature and the continued light industrial use of the building.
A bank of solar panels will be introduced to contribute to the client’s responsive and sustainable environmental strategy which already involves the use of a newly installed Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP).
A newly acquired duplex loft apartment provides the setting for a new concert room loft in North London. An extensive refurbishment involves remodelling the entire space to provide a personal venue for concerts and recitals. The double height gabled roof-space will be enlivened by revealing the existing king post trusses which provide a striking architectural back-drop to the main room. A curved open treaded stair leads from the mezzanine bar area which overlooks the concert room. Beyond the mezzanine, there is of course a green room for the guest performers. A number of ancillary spaces provide for food preparation and an extensive wine cellar to entertain.
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 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.