Category: House Refurbishment

05
Jul

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 gardenThe 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 extensionThe 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.