Category: House Refurbishment

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 recently completed the extensive refurbishment of a period cottage in Surrey, once divided into two. The brief was to preserve its traditional features while upgrading all five bedrooms with new bathrooms. In the main reception room, two back-to-back open fireplaces and a new antique parquet floor create a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamlessly connecting the family rooms. At the rear, an open-plan layout now links the family and garden rooms to a spacious island kitchen, designed for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining. The kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances and a generous island counter for everyday practicality. A new dormer conversion adds a master bedroom and ensuite overlooking the landscaped garden, providing a private retreat for the homeowners.

Throughout the renovation, forresterarchitects carefully preserved period details, including exposed beams and traditional brickwork, ensuring the period cottage retains its historic charm. This project demonstrates how heritage and modern living can blend seamlessly, transforming the cottage into a stylish, functional home that meets the needs of a 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.