Category: Interior Design

26
Jan

Absent_The School Library!

School Library | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

A school in Stoke Newington recently lost its library to the IT room, but the new Head Teacher plans to change that and has enlisted the help of  forresterarchitects to re-establish the library for the children to enjoy and focus on reading. A design feasibility proposal has been approved, and the library works will take place over the Easter half-term. The project involves starting from scratch, with only the four walls of the classroom remaining.

To keep up with evolving technologies, the library will feature a mixture of paper and electronic media, and bespoke furniture will be arranged to create three informal reading zones with easy access to bookshelves. The bookshelves will be accessible to all ages, and can be moved aside when needed to allow for a large seating area focused on a whiteboard. The goal is to provide a library that reflects the school ethos of inspiring, developing, and nurturing every child to have the confidence to learn. The project is a departure from the recent trend of schools focusing on technology and digital media over physical books, and aims to promote a love of reading among the students. The design is intended to create a welcoming and comfortable environment that encourages students to spend time in the library and develop a passion for books.

The project is a collaborative effort between the school and forresterarchitects, who have expertise in designing spaces for education. The library will be an important resource for the school and the community, providing a space for learning and fostering a love of reading in the next generation.

16
Jun

A duplex penthouse to a second penthouse in St Johns Wood.

Duplex Penthouse | Architects for Westminster | St John’s Wood, North West London

forresterarchitects have successfully completed the refurbishment of a duplex penthouse in St. John’s Wood, North West London, the second penthouse in a prestigious development for the same client. The new apartment required a fresh approach to enliven the space and make it a desirable investment property.

forresterarchitects opted for a simple, muted palette to suit the client’s taste, which creates a calming atmosphere and allows the apartment’s luxury features to shine. An open plan configuration was retained from the previous refurbishment, which maximizes the sense of space and natural light in the apartment. In contrast to the previous Rococo interior, the new design features a sleek, modern aesthetic that provides a sense of vitality to the apartment. This is achieved through the use of clean lines, minimalist detailing, and contemporary finishes. The result is a sophisticated and stylish living space that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers or renters. The duplex layout of the apartment offers a sense of privacy and separation between the living and sleeping areas. The upper level features a master suite with a spacious bedroom, dressing area, and ensuite bathroom, while the lower level includes a second bedroom and bathroom, along with an open plan living, dining, and kitchen area.

Overall, forresterarchitects have once again demonstrated their expertise in creating stylish and functional living spaces that meet the needs of their clients. The new duplex penthouse in St. John’s Wood is a testament to their skill and creativity, offering a sleek and modern living space that is both luxurious and practical. forresterarchitects have successfully created a beautiful and functional living space that is sure to be a desirable investment property for years to come.

04
May

An new feature wall to an Art Deco flat.

 Art Deco Refurbishment | Architects for Wandsworth | Balham, South West London

forresterarchitects have completed a stunning refurbishment of a third-floor Art Deco flat located in a prestigious mansion block in Balham, South West London. The flat’s existing configuration was largely functional but presented some issues that needed to be resolved, and were tasked with finding solutions that would improve the space’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

One of the key features of the new design is a striking feature wall that provides a central focus for the flat. This wall can be easily circumnavigated to access the new kitchen layout and the reconfigured bathrooms, which were a priority for the client. The wall is not only a visually striking element of the design but also helps to divide the space into different zones, providing a sense of privacy and separation where needed. forresterarchitects worked closely with the client to create a new layout that would maximise the flat’s potential and address the issues that had been identified. The new design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with a contemporary feel that complements the Art Deco features of the building.

 The project has breathed new life into the flat, and the addition of the feature wall provides a striking focal point that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the design. The new layout also offers improved functionality, making the flat more practical and user-friendly for its occupants. The Art Deco flat in Balham now offers a perfect balance of style and functionality, providing its occupants with a beautiful and practical home that meets all of their needs.

14
Feb

A double height lounge created within a mews house refurbishment in the Eton Conservation Area.

Mews House RefurbishmentArchitects 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 aspectA 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

Stay tidy. A bachelor pad with extensive bespoke joinery solutions.

Bespoke Joinery Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Primrose Hill, North West London

forresterarchitects recently conducted a design feasibility study for the refurbishment of a duplex apartment in Primrose Hill, North West London. The apartment is situated within a modern purpose-built development, located in a fashionable area of North London. In order to create more space, the design incorporates clever storage interventions to the lack of space within the apartment.

The client, a bachelor, had specific requirements for the refurbishment project, including the need to keep the apartment tidy. To achieve this, forresterarchitects employed bespoke storage solutions throughout the design, creating living wall solutions to maximize the use of space. The apartment’s layout was kept simple, and sliding doors were installed to avoid taking up valuable space while also providing an open plan feel when left open. By working closely with the client and considering their specific needs, forresterarchitects were able to provide a design that met their requirements and maximized the available space. The use of bespoke storage solutions throughout the apartment allows for efficient use of space, while the sliding doors provide a flexible living area that can be adapted to suit the client’s needs. This refurbishment not only provides additional living space but also adds a contemporary touch to the design, bringing the apartment up to date and making it more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

By employing bespoke storage solutions and incorporating a dynamic rear extension, forresterarchitects have maximised the available space and provided a modern and flexible living area that meets the client’s specific requirements.