Category: Conservation & Listed Buildings

13
May

Avoid the conventional and there is no Downside!

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

House Refurbishment  | Architects in 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
Jan

Double height maisonette in the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area.

Posted by / Conservation & Listed Buildings

Double Height Maisonette | Architects for Camden | Dartmouth Park Road, North West London

forresterarchitects are working on the complete reconfiguration of a two-bedroom double-height maisonette on Dartmouth Park Road in North West London. The maisonette currently has a fine South facing aspect. However, the internal layout is to be entirely reconfigured to create an open plan double-height space with the main living rooms moved to the rear of the property. This will provide better connectivity with the rear garden and make the maisonette feel more like a new house.

Two additional bedrooms will be relocated to the rear of the property. The redesign will create an open and airy space with natural light flooding in from the rear garden. The new living space will be perfect for entertaining and relaxing. The redesign will also improve the functionality of the space, making it more practical for modern living. The redesign of the double-height maisonette will provide a much-improved living environment for the clients. The reconfiguration will allow for a better use of space, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere. The new design will also bring the living areas closer to the rear garden, providing an improved connection to nature.

forresterarchitects are known for their innovative designs that combine functionality with style. The redesign of this maisonette is no exception. With their attention to detail and their understanding of the needs of modern living, the new design promises to create a unique and practical living space. The project is currently in the planning stages, and work is expected to begin soon.

02
Oct

A country house refurbishment in Cambridge.

Posted by / Conservation & Listed Buildings

Country House | Architects for Cambridge | Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire

For a project in Great Shelford, Cambridge, forresterarchitects are collaborating with Callender Howorth. The aim is to provide a contemporary refurbishment that revitalises the interconnected buildings while respecting their traditional materials. The plan is to enhance the original features with modern accents to create a refreshed environment. To provide additional space, a new roof conversion is being added to the main house, creating a sizable extra floor that will be dedicated to accommodating an au pair.

The project aims to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the needs and desires of the occupants. The design proposal involves an innovative approach that draws on the traditional elements of the buildings, while incorporating modern design principles. The result is a space that is both classic and contemporary, with a sense of warmth and comfort. The main house and outbuildings will be interconnected in a way that allows the space to flow seamlessly, with each area having its own distinct character. The design will make use of natural light, with large windows and skylights to create bright, airy spaces that feel welcoming and comfortable. In addition to the refurbishment of the main house and outbuildings, the project will also involve landscaping and the creation of outdoor spaces that are in harmony with the surrounding countryside. The gardens and outdoor areas will be designed to create a sense of tranquility and relaxation, while also being functional and practical.

The collaboration between forresterarchitects and Callender Howorth brings together a wealth of expertise and experience, ensuring that the project will be executed to the highest standards of design and construction. The goal is to create a space that is both functional and beautiful, reflecting the unique needs and desires of the occupants, while also respecting the traditional character of the buildings and their surroundings.

28
Aug

Asymmetrically windows overlook a mews house courtyard

Posted by / Conservation & Listed Buildings

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

forresterarchitects has designed a mews-house located in Belsize Park, North West London, with a beautiful garden courtyard adorned with a long-established ivy. The asymmetrical arrangement of the lounge windows at the rear facade of the house offers stunning views of the south-facing aspect overlooking Primrose Hill, which has been enlarged to maximise the view. forresterarchitects have cleverly designed a double-height living space to take advantage of the scenic view, and the enlarged windows allow natural daylight to permeate throughout the space, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The garden courtyard is a hidden gem and provides a tranquil oasis for the occupants to relax and unwind after a long day. The established ivy adds to the overall aesthetic and creates a beautiful backdrop for the garden. The garden is perfect for outdoor entertaining, and the double-height living space overlooking the garden provides the perfect indoor-outdoor flow.

forresterarchitects has incorporated the beautiful garden and south-facing aspect into the design of the mews house to create a unique living space. The lounge windows offer an unparalleled view of Primrose Hill, which changes throughout the day as the natural light shifts. The natural light adds a sense of warmth to the space and creates an inviting atmosphere. forresterarchitects have succeeded in creating a perfect balance between the interior and exterior spaces, providing a harmonious living experience for the residents.

 

20
May

A double-height rear extension to the De Beaviour Conservation Area.

Posted by / Conservation & Listed Buildings

Stepped Rear Extension | Architects for Hackney | De Beaviour Conservation Area, North London

forresterarchitects has recently submitted a planning application for the refurbishment and extension of a Victorian terraced house located in the De Beaviour Conservation Area of North London. The upper floors of the house are spacious and filled with natural light, but the lower ground floor, due to its North facing aspect, lacks brightness. The clients have expressed their desire for a brighter and well-equipped kitchen and a bedroom that connects more to the garden.

To address this, forresterarchitects have proposed a new stepped rear extension that will offer framed views of the garden from the kitchen and stairwell corridor, creating a bright and day-lit environment. A double-height glazed roof-light space is also planned for the dining area, with the aim of providing as much natural light as possible to the back of the house. The existing roof terrace will be retained, serving as an ideal location for afternoon gatherings and evening drinks. The house is currently configured as a three-bedroom private dwelling, but the proposal provides a fourth bedroom for guests with an extra wet-room shower room. The key to the proposed configuration is the retention of the roof terrace, which will ensure the house retains its charm and character while adding a contemporary twist to the lower ground floor.

The design takes into consideration the conservation area‘s character and provides a solution that respects and contributes to the surrounding environment. The glazed extension’s massing ensures it does not become an overbearing feature but rather blends into the existing fabric of the building. The proposed extension and refurbishment will create a modern and functional living space that meets the client’s needs while maintaining the house’s original charm.

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Project Type:

Sketch/Feasibility Eco-Retrofit Commercial Refurbishment New-Build Conservation & Listed Buildings Interior Design Extensions Townhouse Refurbishment