Category: House Refurbishment

27
Nov

A little light relief to a double height gallery space in a London townhouse

Refurbishment with Air Source Heat Pump | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

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.

30
Aug

Not! Another Side Extension.

Landscaped Garden Room | Architects for Islington | forrester architects

Our No Side Extension left such an impression on one of our neighbours that they decided to follow suit. Remaining distinctive, a full-width rear extension is avoided. The main objective remained: forge a stronger connection to the garden and capitalise on the expansive sky views afforded by the elongated rear gardens. A thoughtfully landscaped garden now serves as a visual link from the kitchen space.

The addition of a new bay window allows for carefully framed views of the garden and its surroundings. The proposition not only preserves the character of the existing building but also crafts a one-of-a-kind design solution that bridges the interior and exterior space. The delicate balance between transparency and privacy ensures that the space is not only bright and airy but also highly functional.

forresterarchitects have not just met the client’s needs but also elevated the distinctive character of the original building. The outcome is a space that harmoniously combines functionality and form.

31
Oct

An inclined timber extension informed by the client’s style

Inclined Timber Extension | Architects for Newham | East Ham, East London

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.

 

 
30
Sep

An open fire box provides a new hearth to a Southwark townhouse

Grade II Refurbishment | Architects for Southwark | forrester architects

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.

17
Jul

An open kitchen garden with a view of the pond

Kitchen Garden Room | Architect for Archway | forrester architects

forresterarchitects have created a unique solution for a kitchen garden room in Archway, North London. Rather than a full-width rear extension, a single pier from the existing rear outrigger wall construction was retained, resulting in a space that provides a balance between transparency and privacy for the house, garden, and neighbours. The aim was to create a better connection to the garden and take advantage of the large areas of sky provided by the long rear gardens, resulting in a solution that avoids the need for a large voluminous extension.

The existing bay window and French doors were removed from the rear, allowing large framed views of the garden pond and beyond to be provided to the newly reconfigured ground floor plan. The design creates a unique architectural solution that respects the existing building’s character and provides a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The balance between transparency and privacy ensures that the space is bright and airy while still being functional.

The kitchen garden room is an example of how a thoughtful and considered design can provide a unique and innovative solution to a common problem. By working with the existing structure and taking advantage of the surrounding environment, forresterarchitects have created a space that meets the client’s needs while enhancing the existing building’s character. The result is a space that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect example of how good design can enhance our daily lives.

20
Mar

A Surrey cottage is a perfect home from home

Period Cottage Refurbishment | Architect for Surrey | forrester architects

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.

20
Feb

Large format hand made clay tile proposed for a North London rear extension.

Danish clay tile extension | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

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.

20
Jan

Green Oak barn extension added to a traditional Cotswolds cottage

Green Oak Barn Extension | Architects for the Cotswolds | forrester architects

A green oak barn extension has been added as part of the refurbishment of 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.

30
Nov

Five floor Townhouse rental property investment in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Townhouse rental property investment | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | forrester architects

forresterarchitects are currently working on a rental property investment project involving a five-storey townhouse located in the heart of Notting Hill. The townhouse is being fully refurbished and upgraded to ensure high-quality accommodation suitable for young professional couples. Each of the one-bedroom flats is individually designed to meet the client’s requirements and comes with improved acoustic separation to ensure maximum comfort and privacy for the tenants.

A new roof extension has been added to the townhouse to create a duplex two-bedroom penthouse with a rear terrace that provides an ideal pied-à-terre for those seeking a central London location. The design of the extension is sympathetic to the existing building, with careful consideration given to its visual impact and the conservation area in which it is located. The overall aim of the project is to create a series of high-end rental properties that will appeal to a discerning clientele. The emphasis is on providing quality, comfort and convenience, with each flat benefiting from a modern, functional layout and high-quality finishes throughout.

forresterarchitects are committed to delivering projects that meet the needs and aspirations of their clients. Their approach is one of collaboration and innovation, working closely with the client to ensure that every aspect of the project is carefully considered and executed to the highest standards. 

29
Aug

Get ready for the boardwalk!

London Boutique | Architects for Mayfair | forrester architects

forresterarchitects have recently completed a refurbishment of the interior of the Rupert Sanderson boutique in Mayfair, London. The design approach was to take a light touch, enhancing the existing features of the space and creating a welcoming environment for customers.

The refurbished boutique will be ready for a summer reopening, just in time for customers to explore the collection of shoes and accessories on offer. With a nod to the iconic boardwalks of beachside resorts, the design incorporates natural materials and textures such as wood and woven fabrics. The layout of the boutique has been reconfigured to improve the flow and functionality of the space. New bespoke joinery has been added to display the products in an elegant and organized manner. Soft lighting has been introduced to create an inviting atmosphere and highlight the details of the products on display.

The design of the refurbished boutique aims to reflect the quality and craftsmanship of the Rupert Sanderson brand. With the reopening of the boutique in Mayfair, customers can look forward to a stylish and welcoming shopping experience.