Category: Interior Design
06
May
Pergola Extension | Architects for Newham | Forest Gate, East London
The new rear garden pergola extension is perfectly orientated. The garden enjoys sunshine from the early morning sunrise through to the late evening as the Sun travels uninterrupted across the sky to the West. The extension will enhance and create a visual dialogue between the house, the garden and the sky beyond. A series of layers to the facade frame views and connectivity to the garden. An exposed roof structure extends into the garden to form a garden pergola providing a passive solar shading device to the interior.
12
Apr
Garden Studio Extension | Architects for Oxford | Temple Cowley, Oxford
The new garden studio extension provides a considered design solution to a corner plot in Oxford. Initial feasibility studies have ruled out a conventional rear extension. Due to the site constraints, imposed by the irregular property demise, any rear extension would obstruct access into the rear garden or potentially be problematically located adjacent to the garden of the neighbouring property. The front-side garden offers a significant and viable alternative location for a new garden studio extension.
25
Feb
Glazed Facet Extension | Architects for Islington | Canonbury Conservation Area
A faceted glazed structure provides a simple concept for a new extension to a Canonbury townhouse. A series of angles provide a rich sculptural form which is developed further to define the new garden lounge extension. The angles to the facade provide a notional subdivision for the different functions within the space which in turn inform the language of facade and the extent of privacy to the rear.
12
Nov
Riverview Townhouse | Architects for Perth, Australia | Claremont, Perth
A terrace of riverside townhouse’s are desirable for their perfect location on the banks of the Swan River. The newly purchase townhouse has lost its 1970’s charm. There is great potential to enliven the simple interior with period fixture and fittings and recreate a modern open plan environment. The upper floor bedrooms are reconfigured to provide simple ensuite facilities. The living room, kitchen and dining space are reorientated to form a new focal point for the house, the ever changing Swan River.
13
Oct
Two Storey Garden Extension | Architects for Camden | West Hampstead, London
A two storey rear extension is proposed to a fine West Hampstead maisonette, to replace the inadequate existing extension. The new design will rationalise the hierarchy of the maisonette with living rooms to the raised ground floor and bedrooms to the lower ground floor. In planning terms, the 45 degree rule has been applied as a guide to determine an acceptable form for the new rear garden extension to prevent undue loss of daylight to neighbouring properties, to avoid excessive overshadowing of gardens, and preserve a reasonable standard of outlook.
17
May
Roof Top Extension | Architects for Camden | Camden Square Conservation Area
The owners of the top floor flats to Cliff Road, together, aim to improve the quality of the existing housing stock. 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 improve the sanitary provision. A new roof extension is proposed to the existing flat roof terrace and provides new bright and airy living rooms to the new roof space.
11
Aug
Blue Steel Mezzanine | Architects for Camden | Highgate, North West London
A small cottage in our client’s garden was under utilised but held great potential; that potential has now been realised. A new blue steel mezzanine has been inserted to run the length of the cottage to provide a significant increase in usable floor area. The cottage interior has enlivened to provide a simple but bold stand-alone accommodation for the in-laws. When the cottage is not being used by guests it retains the flexibility to provide a study area for the client’s daughters. Or in the evening it can be used as a party venue following dinner parties or where everyone can watch a film. To assist in the flexibility of space clever joinery will be incorporated to conceal the beds when they are not in use.
05
Jun
Townhouse Orangery | Architect for Canonbury | North London
A fine Islington townhouse in Canonbury is being refurbished and enlarged by forresterarchitects. A new large kitchen is being extended on the first floor to form a largely glazed orangery. With unrestricted views to the rear. There is an opportunity to provide a large picture window arrangement. We are currently working on feasibility studies on the configuration of the glazed panels which will be arranged to respond to the rich variety of windows to the rear facade.
07
Apr
House Refurbishment | Architect for Belsize Park | Camden, North London
A new gallery space forms part of the brief to a new full house refurbishment in Belsize Park, London. The house is tired but retains some interesting period features to the wall frieze and ceilings. It does need to be extended to provide an appropriate level of accommodation for entertaining. A key need of the brief is to provide an art gallery for the client and it seems a double height space to the rear of the house is well suited. The rear elevation aims to reconnect the house with the garden and provide a unique architectural solution.
To the top of the house, the windows are under-sized and the bedroom spaces seem a secondary consideration. We aim to open the roof space to provide a modern loft style environment for the children. The master bedroom will occupy the first floor in its entirety with a new bathroom, dressing room and study with great views over the city of London.
27
Mar
Townhouse Mezzanine | Architecture for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London
To the top of a fine detached house in Belsize Park, the windows are under-sized and the bedroom spaces seem a secondary consideration; it was likely to be accommodation for house staff. Through a number of feasibility studies, we have highlighted the potential to provide an additional floor within the loft space. Our intention is to open the roof space and provide a modern loft style environment. This will provide a more enlivened environment for the children’s bedrooms. The ceiling to each bedroom is sculpted to form a void created between the mezzanine. A new loft stair will provide a feature to the new open-plan loft room with the mezzanine structure will be incorporated into the existing roof structure.
03
Nov
Garden Room | Architects for South London | Forrester Architects
We’re bringing the garden in from the cold. Our client’s love of their long mature garden has resulted in an innovative garden room design proposal. The original London brickwork facade will undulate along its length to bring the garden into the new kitchen and dining room space. The undulating form provides glimpses of the garden in all directions along its length and results in a fine garden room.
12
Aug
New Loft Office | Architecture for South London | Bermondsey
We’ve moved into a new loft style penthouse office in Bermondsey. With all sorts of exciting opportunities to look forward to we share our space with interior designer Callender Howorth. The former tannery is going through an extensive but sensitive refurbishment. The exposed beam ceiling and timber floors remain, as do the steel framed windows but it’s a very considered redevelopment.
01
Jul
Infill Parapet Extension | Architecture for Tufnell Park | Islington
A new infill extension to a townhouse in Tufnell Park, Islington takes a sneaky peek over the parapet wall to catch the setting sun. The extension is set within a fine mature garden. The new kitchen has been relocated to frame views of the garden. To the West the sun setting is framed with a high level skylight which catches the warm setting sun.
13
May
House Refurbishment | Architecture for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London
The fine semi-detached Villa’s of Belsize Park, North London are close built houses. 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. For an extension it avoids the uninspired 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.
16
Mar
Cottage Refurbishment | Architecture for Camden | Highgate, North West London
It’s rare you find a cottage in your garden but my clients have that on purchasing their house in Highgate. That said it has remained under utilised over the years. It is now time for some upgrading and the cottage is to be enlivened to provide stand alone accommodation for the in-laws. When not used by guests it will have a certain amount of flexibility to provide a study area for the client’s daughters and their friends. In the evening it will be used as a party venue following dinner parties or where they can watch a film. The provision of a sliding partition wall will allow the cottage to be subdivided into dedicated areas to provide privacy. The mezzanine will be orientated to run the length of the cottage. It will remain as a visual connection to the ground floor and provide a dedicated study area with extra bedroom space. To assist in the flexibility of space clever joinery will be incorporated to conceal the bed when not in use.
10
Dec
Don’t Move Improve | Architect for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London
shortlisted by New London Architecture for a Don’t Move Improve 2016 award.
A modern interpretation of the London Roof it provides a modern and unique language for the rear of the mid terraced house. The roof structure is expressed as exposed timber rafter with a plywood ceiling which adds a simple but natural warmth to the interior. The roof construction avoids the traditional roof construction of slate tile. Instead, a single polymeric roof membrane is used to provide a well insulated lightweight warm roof construction.
As part of the reconfiguration works the kitchen has moved into the middle of the house floor plan. A new open plan galley kitchen provides a better connection between the lounge to the rear and the dining room. The dining room is now orientated for the early morning sun-rise to the East and ideal for breakfast. A large hexagonal glass window frames views of the small urban garden from the living room to the West.
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04
Sep
Art Deco Refurbishment| Architect for Wandsworth | Balham, South West London
forresterarchitects have submitted a remodelling proposal for a mansion block in a fine Art Deco building in Balham. The existing configuration was fine but many issues were problematic and need to be resolved. A new kitchen layout and reconfigured bathrooms were a priority for the client.
28
Aug
Mews House | Architect for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London
A long established ivy meanders across the garden courtyard and provides a wonderful secret garden to the rear of a mews house. The lounge windows are juxtaposed asymmetrically to the rear facade overlooking the garden. Enlarged and arranged to take advantage of the fine views to the south-facing aspect overlooking Primrose Hill. It provides a double height living space with natural daylight throughout the day.
26
Jan
School Library | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects
A school in Hackney has lost its library to the IT room. If you thought a school was built around the library then things have changed since you were at school. The new Head Teacher is going to change this and has asked a few parents to re-establish the library so the children can enjoy and focus on reading. Sant Design Studio together with forresterarchitects is pleased to be helping.
A design feasibility proposal has been approved and the library works will be carried out over the Easter half-term. With only the four walls of the classroom remaining we’re starting from first principles. In keeping with the changing times, there will be a mixture of paper and electronic media to keep up with evolving technologies. Bespoke furniture will be arranged to create three informal reading zones with easy access to the book shelving. The bookshelves are accessible to all ages. When needed the bookshelves can be moved aside to allow a large seating area focussed on the whiteboard. 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.
08
Nov
Rear Extension and House Refurbishment | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London
forresterarchitects have completed a full house refurbishment to a fine Victorian terraced house in Stoke Newington. The house had not been decorated for many years and a refurbishment was well overdue. A new non-conformist rear extension was proposed. A modern interpretation of the London Roof provides the extension with a unique language for the house. The roof structure is expressed as exposed timber joist with a plywood ceiling which adds a simple but natural warmth to the interior. The roof construction avoids a traditional cold roof construction of slate tile and rafter. Instead a single ply polymeric roof membrane provides a lightweight well-insulated alternative. A large hexagonal glass window frames views of the small urban garden from the living room. As part of the reconfiguration works the kitchen has been moved into the middle of the house. A new open plan galley kitchen provides a connection between the lounge and the dining room which has moved to the front bay windowed room. The dining room is now orientated for the early morning sun-rise to the East and perfect for breakfast. Other works to the house involve the conversion of the original roof space to provide a traditional loft conversion. This adds a new floor of accommodation for guests. A wet-room shower room has been located on the top floor landing to avoid losing any bedroom space. The house was configured as a three bedroom house now provides five bedrooms. As part of the refurbishments works the entire house has been rewired with new plumbing throughout. Each room has been provided with hard-wired CAT 5 data connectivity.
01
Aug
Listed Building Consent | Architects for Southwark | Denmark Hill, South East London
forresterarchitects have recently submitted Listed Building Consent for the interior refurbishment of a Grade II Chapel. The project proposes the installation of a replacement screen within the foyer. The screen configuration will remain as the current screen, with large double doors that open onto the Lobby from the Church Meeting Room.
The newly designed foyer screen improves visibility between the Meeting Room and the Entrance Foyer. It establishes connectivity to the Chapel. Given the historical setting, the proposed screen has been designed to be a sympathetic addition. Being both carefully proportioned and made from high-quality materials. The oak frames and polished- brass detailing enhance the visual and architectural character of the vestibule.
Significantly the proposal has been designed to have a minimal impact on the existing fabric of the building. Sustainability has been considered as part of the submission. It is more difficult in historic buildings but not impossible for sensitive interventions. Previous improvements have been installed in Grove Chapel’s desire to reduce heat losses and increase the energy efficiency of the building. Yet retaining a welcoming appearance to visitors of the Chapel.
16
Jun
Duplex Penthouse Refurbishment | Architects for Westminster | St John’s Wood, North West London
The second penthouse in a prestigious development, located in St. John’s Wood, North West London has been completed by forresterarchitects. The same client, as the previous penthouse refurbishment, has purchased a second apartment as an investment property. It too required a fresh approach to enliven this luxury penthouse apartment which is configured as a duplex apartment. A simple muted palette is adapted to suit the client’s taste. As with the previous refurbishment, an open plan configuration is retained. In ‘Starck’ contrast to the opulence of the previous Rococo interior, a sleek modern approach provides vitality to this desirable apartment.
04
May
Art Deco Flat Refurbishment | Architects for Wandsworth | Balham, South West London
forresterarchitects have remodelled a third floor flat in a fine Art Deco flat to a fine mansion block in Balham. The existing configuration was fine but some issues were problematic and need to be resolved. A feature wall provides a central focus for the flat. The wall can be circumnavigated to access a new kitchen layout and reconfigured bathrooms which were a priority for the client.
14
Feb
Mews House Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London
forresterarchitects have submitted a design feasibility study for a mews house refurbishment in the Eton Conservation Area, Belsize Park in North West London.
The house is currently configured as an unremarkable two bedroom house. It is dated and has not been refurbished since it was originally built in the 1970’s. The bedrooms are long and badly proportioned. The window is mean and internally the natural daylighting is poor.
Each mews house was originally configured with an integral garage space next to the front door. Over time the planning department has allowed the removal of the garage space. All the other mews houses have over time converted their garage into a bedroom or lounge space to improve the layout of the house. The courtyard to the front of the Mews is now everyone’s preferred car parking space. This was our client’s initial need but there were other opportunities
The house is arranged over three floors. The kitchen as originally intended will remain on the ground floor. A small under stair WC will be removed to create an open floor plan layout between the new bedroom and kitchen. The kitchen will be re-planned to engage more directly with the small courtyard garden which enjoys a bright south facing aspect. A long established ivy covers the garden courtyard and provides a wonderful secret garden to the rear of the house. The lounge windows overlooking the garden are to be enlarged to take advantage of the fine views overlooking Primrose Hill.
The upper floors accommodate a lounge and the other two bedrooms. As part of the refurbishment, each bedroom is re-planned with an ensuite. The small lounge is improved by a double height lounge space with the structural rafters of the roof exposed. The timber rafters compliment a new feature staircase which rises within the double height space. A bespoke timber screen offers varying levels of privacy between the bedroom and lounge.
21
Oct
House Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Primrose Hill, North West London
forresterarchitects have provided a design feasibility study for the house refurbishment of a duplex apartment in Primrose Hill. The duplex flat is part of a modern purpose-built development in the fashionable area in North London. As a bachelor, the client was able to indulge his needs with specific requirements to keep the place tidy. The flat layout was simple. The design employs bespoke storage solutions to create living wall solutions to maximise on space. Sliding doors avoid taking up valuable space but also allow for an open plan feel when left in the open.
17
Aug
House Refurbishment with Basement | Architecture for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London
A large Victorian house in Stoke Newington, North London has not been refurbished since its purchase by the clients, ten years previous. During this period the house suffered from student occupation and was tired. The upper floors were bowed and only one bathroom served a four bedroom house. A full house refurbishment was proposed with the requirement of a full-width rear extension. A low engineered basement was added to the existing home as a viable solution to the client’s storage and utility requirements. A projecting window seat was a key feature to the rear extension design proposal. A fully glazed roof-light provided a bright modern kitchen overlooking a modest garden. A guest shower-room to the top floor landing provided a simple design solution without compromising the top bedrooms. A muted palette provided the most suitable background for the client’s extensive art collection.
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01
Nov
London Listed Architect | Architecture for London | forrester architects
forresterarchitects have designed a cool minimalist interior loft conversion which has just been published in the definitive guide to stylish living, House & Garden. It’s not your typical dormer solution. An extra floor was added to a Victorian mid-terraced house but an inspired client required ‘their’ space to be defined at the top of the house. Leaving the chaos of the school day behind. The loft provides panoramic views of the city. The roof topped only by a large glass oval roof-light overhead which slides open to reveal a sparkling moonlit sky.
16
Mar
House & Garden Feature | Architects for London | Forrester Architects
forresterarchitects are listed in the international design and decoration magazine House & Garden exclusively as architects in the London area. The design master class directory provides an interactive source of all the information you will need to renovate or build your own home. A number of high-profile projects by the practice across Central London have brought our work to the attention of this definitive guide to stylish living.
16
Sep
Investment Property | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | Cornwall Conservation Area, West London
forresterarchitects are involved in the refurbishment of an apartment in a large garden square townhouse in West London. The proposal aims to reconfigure the internal layout which is in a poor condition and in need of modernisation. The apartment is currently configured as a one-bedroom apartment with a bathroom providing sanitary provision. The layout is configured as a modern one-bedroom apartment. The kitchen will remain open plan in layout to the living-room space and new sanitary provision will consist of one large bathroom. The property will provide a substantial rental income for the client.
23
Jul
Conservation Refurbishment | London Borough of Islington | Mercers Conservation Area, North London
One of our commercial client’s has retained our services for the full internal and external conservation refurbishment of their fine Victorian villa in Tufnell Park, North London. The brief was to conserve and enhance the original period features of the house. This involved the reinstatement of lost decorative features and decorating with paints from a Victorian palette to compliment the character of the house.
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21
May
Penthouse Refurbishment | Architects for Westminster | St John’s Wood, North West London
A prestigious residential development located in St. John’s Wood North West London requires a fresh approach to enliven this luxury penthouse apartment. A simple muted palette was more suited to the client’s tastes. A large open plan configuration is in Starck contrast to the opulence of the previous Rococo interior. A luxury refurbishment offers secret doors. Beyond the main living spaces conceal the other bedrooms each with its own private bathroom.
18
Apr
Mansion Block Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Bloomsbury Conservation Area, West Central London
forresterarchitects have completed the reconfiguration of a mansion block refurbishment within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area. The flat is large and wide with a communal lightwell providing daylight to the bedrooms. The light levels to the flat even with a south facing aspect were inadequate. The reconfiguration involved making the flat feel more open plan with large sliding doors introduced to the living and kitchen rooms. This allows the south-facing light to flood across the depth of the flat. The bathrooms are modernised with fine joinery wardrobes provided to compliment the bedrooms. A new kitchen layout involved the incorporation of the walk-in larder which increased the overall area of the kitchen for the better.
01
Mar
New Build Houses | Architecture for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London
forresterarchitects have completed four new build houses in Stoke Newington, North London. Four innovative interlocking townhouses form the perimeter boundary to a centralised courtyard development. The site is a tight urban brown field site. Traditional construction techniques are used to compliment a palette modern materials to achieve highly insulated construction values.
The site was tight and the context varied dramatically to each side of the site. The new-build development offers a unique and positive contribution to the urban environment. Each house type offers an unconventional layout due to the site constraints.
The exterior of the four interlocking house are simple brick constructions. The upper floors are spacious double-height living rooms with plenty of daylight and framed views of the local environment. Each of the open plan kitchens has direct access to a private external terrace, which is located between each house. Bespoke Italian kitchens provide a focus for open plan living. A spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine gallery level, which overlooks the main living space.
All bedroom accommodation is located on the ground floor. Each bedroom is provided with modest courtyards, which provide each room with their own outside space. Each bedroom has a full tiled private bathroom or shower-room complete with sleek, modern fittings.
The courtyard provides car parking for each resident and is expressed as a simple white band of render to each block.
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01
Nov
Sliding Glass Roof Conversion | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London
forresterarchitects have completed a new modern roof conversion to a mid-terrace Victorian house in Stoke Newington, London. The house has been extended into the roof-space to provide an extra master bedroom and shower-room for a growing family. A cool white interior is complimented with flashes of colour and views across the city. As the sun passes over head the sliding oval roof-light animates the interior space throughout the day and offers unrestricted bedtime stargazing in the late evening.
01
Oct
Galley Kitchen Refurbishment and Extension | Architects for Brent | Queens Park, North West London
forresterarchitects have completed a full house refurbishment to a striking art-deco house in North West London. The works involve significant remodelling to the rear of the house to provide a reconfigured galley kitchen and dining area. A series of folding-sliding doors form a centralised courtyard which provides easy access to the landscaped garden beyond. A new garden to the front and a rendered facade provide a freshly invigorated frontage to the street.
