Category: House Refurbishment

18
Jan

Facade retention with full basement added to a house in Tottenham

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Facade retention refurbishment with full basement | Architects for Tottenham | North London

In Tottenham, forresterarchitects is proposing a facade retention refurbishment with a full basement for a neglected semi-detached property close to the grounds of Tottenham Hotspur football stadium. The extensive dereliction means that only the front facade of the property will be retained, and a new basement floor will be added. To provide local professionals with living space, forresterarchitects has planned to create four flats in different configurations. A careful engineering strategy has been put in place to ensure a logical construction process without the need for full demolition.

The new building will be reconstructed in the same style as the existing property, with a new outrigger extension added to the rear over three floors. The proposed plan seeks to bring life back to a long-neglected property and provide much-needed housing for local professionals. forresterarchitects has a track record of successful projects, including a full house refurbishment with a basement floor in fashionable Stoke Newington. The project involves extensive site investigations and opening up works to determine the state of the property. forresterarchitects has proposed a logical construction strategy to minimise the environmental impact and cost of the project. 

The proposed facade retention refurbishment with a full basement in Tottenham represents an innovative solution to the challenge of revitalizing a neglected property. By retaining the original facade, forrresterarchitects is preserving the character of the area, while the addition of new living spaces will provide much-needed housing for local professionals. 

13
Oct

A double-storey extension is proposed to West Hampstead garden

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Two Storey Garden Extension | Architects for Camden | West Hampstead, London

forresterarchitects has proposed a two-storey rear extension to replace an inadequate existing extension in a West Hampstead maisonette. The new design aims to rationalize the hierarchy of the maisonette by placing living rooms on the raised ground floor and bedrooms on the lower ground floor. In planning terms, the proposed extension has been designed according to the 45-degree rule, which aims to prevent the loss of daylight to neighbouring properties, avoid excessive overshadowing of gardens and preserve a reasonable standard of outlook.

The new extension will be designed to meet the needs of modern living and provide a larger, more functional space for the client. By improving the layout, the new design will allow for more natural light to enter the living spaces, creating a brighter and more comfortable environment. In addition to improving the living spaces, the extension will also be designed to complement the existing architecture of the maisonette. The materials and finishes used will be carefully selected to ensure that they match the existing building and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. 

The proposed extension will be constructed with a focus on sustainability, with materials selected for their environmental impact and energy-efficient technologies used throughout the building. This approach will not only reduce the environmental impact of the project but also result in lower energy bills for the homeowners.

 

05
Jul

Add an artist’s studio as ancillary accommodation to your garden flat.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Ancillary Garden Studio | Architects for Camden | Camden Square Conservation Area

A modest rear extension needs some consideration due to its wonderful south facing aspect. During the best of weather the existing extension is unbearable and over exposed . A considered architectural solution is essential. An ancillary garden studio is proposed. Simple in form, the new roof is articulated to deflect direct sunlight. The exposed timber structure supporting the roof extends onto the external garden terrace to provide an integrated garden pergola structure. The passive solar shading is complimented further, over time, the pergola will be draped in foliage to provides further layering to the rich composition of the facade.

17
Feb

A new first-floor Orangery provides a fine townhouse extension.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Townhouse Orangery | Architects for Canonbury | North London

For an Islington townhouse refurbishment and extension project, the forresterarchitects have proposed a raised ground floor entrance separate from the main house. The main requirement is for a larger kitchen, which will be extended on the first floor to create an orangery extension. This will provide additional space for a new dining room to be included within the kitchen. The roof is also being converted to add two bedrooms and a shower room. A panoramic loft room will offer stunning views of the city.

The orangery extension will be designed as a series of dual pitched roofs, and the massing of the building has been carefully considered to avoid creating an overbearing and boxy development at the rear. This will help the extension to blend in seamlessly with the existing building while also adding a touch of modernity. The project aims to make the most of the available space and to improve the functionality of the house while preserving its historic charm. The design has been carefully considered to ensure that the new extension is sympathetic to the existing architecture and does not overpower the original building. The addition of the orangery will not only provide a larger and more modern kitchen but will also bring in more natural light to the house. The raised ground floor entrance will give a separate identity to the house while also making it more accessible. The new loft rooms will provide extra living space and the panoramic views of the city will be an added bonus.

The townhouse orangery project is a perfect example of how a well-designed extension can enhance the functionality of a property while also preserving its character. forresterarchitects have managed to create a space that seamlessly blends the old with the new, and the end result will be a house that is more functional, spacious, and stylish.

 

27
Jan

A series of lantern volumes capture views of light and sky.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Lantern Extension | Architects for Waltham Forest | East London

For a terraced house in Waltham Forest, the clients loved their home but were unhappy with how dark it was. The existing extension was located at the back of the house, which also served as the only bathroom. Unfortunately, it blocked light and the view of the garden, leaving the kitchen and dining room feeling enclosed. The proposed solution was to knock down the existing extension and introduce a series of extruded volumes to capture more light and views of the sky.

forresterarchitects proposed a series of lanterns that would provide a more open and airy living space. By moving the family bathroom to the first floor next to the bedrooms, it not only created a more functional layout but also freed up space on the ground floor. The new extension is designed to be a seamless continuation of the original house, with materials and finishes that complement the existing structure.The proposed design features a loft dormer that would provide a guest bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom. This addition would add value to the house and provide additional space for guests to stay. The use of the lantern volumes and carefully placed windows provides natural light and views of the sky, making the space feel brighter and more open.The attention to detail in the proposed design is evident in the placement of windows and the use of natural light. The new extension is designed to be a space that connects seamlessly with the garden and the rest of the house, with an open plan living area that provides a perfect place for the family to relax and entertain guests.

Overall, forresterarchitects proposed lanterns for the terraced house in Waltham Forest is an excellent example of how an intelligent design can transform a dark and enclosed space into a bright and open living area. The proposed design addresses the clients’ concerns about the lack of natural light and creates a functional layout that works well for the family’s needs.

03
Nov

An inside-outside garden extension.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design

Inside-Outside Garden Extension | Architects for Lewisham | Forrester Architects

forresterarchitects have designed an innovative inside-outside garden extension for a client in South London who has a love for their long mature garden. The garden room design proposal aims to bring the garden into the new kitchen and dining room space, which will be a seamless addition to the existing building.

The original London brickwork facade of the garden room will undulate along its length, providing glimpses of the garden in all directions. This unique design concept results in a fine garden room that is both functional and visually striking. The undulating form of the facade is an innovative approach that allows the garden room to seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. The result is a space that feels connected to the outdoors, while still providing all the comforts of an indoor living space. The garden room is designed to be a versatile space that can be used for a variety of purposes. It will serve as an extension to the existing kitchen and dining room, providing additional space for entertaining or relaxation. The undulating form of the facade also creates interesting shadows and patterns throughout the day, adding to the visual interest of the space.

The unique design concept of the undulating brickwork facade provides glimpses of the garden in all directions, resulting in a fine garden room that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. The garden room is a versatile space that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it a valuable addition to the client’s home.

13
May

Avoid the conventional and there is no Downside!

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design, Listed Buildings & Conservation

House Refurbishment  | Architects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

The fine semi-detached Villa’s of Belsize Park, North West London is in a wonderful setting. Separated by only the small side passages between the houses. Only the neighbouring houses form a boundary to the gardens, which are long, wide and mature in foliage. This is the setting for our latest full house refurbishment. The client wanted the house to feel better connected to the garden. 
 
An accordion arrangement is explored as a concept for the extension. A series of angled facets have been used to establish a notional hierarchy to the kitchen. Expressed as solid and void walls the facets provide a level of transparency and privacy between the house and garden. The staggered configuration of the extension creates framed views of the garden and a unique architectural solution. See four new build houses realised to an inner city brownfield site.
The innovative design avoids the usual full width house extension. The shift in geometry allows the extension to reveal a series of layered materials to reach out and touch the garden. All contained beneath the asymmetrical roof form. The roof is formed in timber and painted with a special Swedish preservative paint treatment. It produces a beautiful matt red finish. The roof projects beyond the building edge to provide a simple solar shading device to south facing aspect of the extension.
02
Mar

Our ‘butterfly’ roof is featured in Dezeen.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design

Save The London Roof | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, Hackney

The London butterfly roof is fast disappearing! As people don’t move and improve their homes, converting the roof space no longer protects the distinct parapet roofline. Keen to avoid the mundane lean-to extension, the new rear extension is a modern interpretation of the traditional London Roof form.
 
 
The roof provides an enlivened architectural language to the rear gardens of this mid-terraced house in North London. The ‘butterfly’ roof is expressed as exposed timber rafters. It provides a dynamic architectural feature and natural warmth to the living room. The original ceiling height was too low for a living room so it was necessary to excavate to create a more generous room volume. The new living floor level has been reduced to provide a ceiling height more in keeping with the rest of the house.
 
A new wood-burning stove provides a focal point to the living room. A new library wall which hangs from the timber rafters occupies one side of the living room. In the evening the lighting is subtle and located with indirect spotlights and avoids the need for pendant lights hanging in the room.
 
As part of the refurbishment works the entire ground floor has been reconfigured. The kitchen has moved from the back of the house and has been relocated between the new living room and the dining room. The kitchen avoids high-level cupboards with two long counters providing an extensive work surfaces area to each side. The dining room has moved to the bay fronted room overlooking the street. The dining room retains many of the traditional decorative features expected of a Victorian terrace house. The colour scheme is bold and is complimented by the addition of a modern 1950’s furniture and light fittings. The dining room is now orientated for breakfast with the sun rising from the East. To the West, a large hexagonal glass window frames views of the small garden for the setting sun in the evening.
09
Nov

Books are flying off the shelves at Betty Layward’s new school library.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

School Library | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

The books are flying off the shelves at Betty Layward’s new school library in Stoke Newington. The library opened its doors today and the ribbon was cut by author and illustrator Jane Ray.  A school has reclaimed space from the IT room. If you thought a school was built around the library then things have changed since you were at school. Throughout the development, the parents were involved to re-establish the library. The children can enjoy and focus on reading on paper and not on screen.
 
The works are being carried out over the summer and completed for the new term. In keeping with the rapidly changing times, there will be a mixture of paper and electronic media to keep up with evolving technologies. Bespoke furniture has been arranged to create three informal reading zones with easy access to the book shelving. The bookshelves are made to be accessible to all ages. And when needed by a full classroom the bookshelves can be moved aside to allow a large seating area focussed on the whiteboard. A neighbouring project is a full house refurbishment. 
 
The aim is to provide a library that reflects the school ethos_to inspire, develop and nurture every child to have the confidence to learn.
31
Jul

A new courtyard Orangery to a Kensington & Chelsea townhouse.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Courtyard Orangery | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | West London

forresterarchitects are working with Callender Howorth on a new courtyard Orangery to a large Kensington & Chelsea townhouse. An existing courtyard space separates the main house from the mews house to the rear. The courtyard is under utilised and the client would like to use the space more throughout the year.
 
An courtyard Orangery unites each wing of the house. It provides a central gathering space for dining which remains an important part of the client’s daily routine. A number differing geometries are to be resolved due to differing scales between the main house and mews. Our initial proposal provides an undulating organic roof form to encapsulate the exterior courtyard. It provides a bright luxurious internalised garden space. The dining room will be relocated to form the main gathering point with an informal lounge space nestled under the mezzanine. An artist’s studio is added to the mezzanine terrace. and retain a visual connection with the main space and will be linked by a spiral stair to the lounge below. The undulating form of the canopy allows for the existing window configuration to be retained. A portion of the glazed roof-light will be openable to allow for natural ventilation throughout the Orangery. 

See other projects in your Borough:

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Project Type:

Sketch/Feasibility Commercial New Build Interior Design Listed Buildings & Conservation Extensions & Conversions House Refurbishment