THE BLOG

06
Dec

Stepped timber extension to a mid-terrace in West Brompton

Stepped Timber Extension | Architects for West Brompton 

This mid-terraced house in West Brompton has a compact kitchen at the rear that feels small and disconnected from the rest of the home. The surrounding properties have extended into their gardens, creating a greater sense of enclosure than normal. There is a clear view of the sky which offers inspiration for a simple design solution.

The main challenge is the change in level between the house and the rear garden. Often treated as a crude transition, this junction is considered to provide a smooth connection between the rear lounge and the new kitchen space, improving the flow and connection to the ground floor layout.

The design proposal introduces an exposed timber roof, creased to form a canopy over the new rear lounge door connection the main house and the kitchen. Above, a series of oval roof-lights offering views upwards to the open sky allowing as much daylight while maintaining privacy from the neighbouring properties.

09
Nov

Anatomy of an Eco-Retrofit

Townhouse Refurbishment Air Source Heat Pump | Architects for Stoke Newington

Our latest full house refurbishment, powered by an air source heat pump, features in the Financial Times Weekend edition. The article, ‘Anatomy of an Eco-Retrofit’, explores the client’s experience, highlighting both challenges and successes. The client’s experience offers insight into the practical and emotional aspects of such a home improvement.

18
Oct

A Green Oak garage with rear garden extension in Tonbridge

Green Oak Double Garage and Rear Garden Extension | Architects for Tonbridge 

A distinctive and spacious “forever” home sits on a quiet country lane in Tonbridge. While nearly perfect, it needs a thoughtful update. Upstairs, new flooring and reconfigured partitions improve bedroom sizes, and each bathroom will be refitted. The large kitchen will remain on the ground floor, but a new rear extension will replace the inferior conservatory. A Green Oak garage with a first-floor office/study will be built in the mature side garden. The extension and garage will blend modern and traditional elements, complementing the house’s white-painted brick, red concrete tiles, and blackened timber cladding.
15
Sep

Landlocked garden with stepped terrace

Landlocked Stepped Terraced | Architects for West Kilburn 

A mews house in West Kilburn has creatively reclaimed neighboring land to establish a charming garden space. This enclosed urban setting offers an excellent opportunity to create an enjoyable amenity beyond the mews itself. Surrounded by high walls, the garden benefits from a west-facing aspect, making the most of the sun as it passes across the sky. To maximise the space, a series of elevated timber terraced platforms is proposed, mounted to the walls each platform provides different levels of use and perspective. Nestled in the far corner, the terraces acts as a sun-trap, capturing the warmth of the evening sun.

27
Aug

Our latest project is featured in designboom

designboom feature | Architects for London | forrester architects

Pleased to share that our latest full-house refurbishment of a London townhouse in Stoke Newington is now featured in designboom! Powered by an Air Source Heat Pump, the project focuses on maximising energy efficiency and natural daylight, with bold design elements like a stunning double-height space and vibrant turquoise steel-clad extension.
Check out the full feature on designboom!
11
Jun

Mezzanine to a double height extension in fashionable North London

Mezzanine in a Double Height Extension | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

Our latest project is an exciting townhouse refurbishment in Stoke Newington. A feature mezzanine overlooks a newly created double-height space to the existing rear extension. Keen to stay in the area we decided to invest in an ambitious townhouse refurbishment and avoid the cost of relocating.  This ambitious project removes the first floor bedroom and bathroom to create a dynamic new living environment. The house is transformed.

The original house has a perfect aspect but  over heating challenges need to be addressed without losing natural daylight. The refurbishment provides a perfect opportunity to address the issues. With the ever increased energy costs there was an opportunity to reconsider the thermal efficiency of the house as a whole.

Our client is passionate about sustainability and eager to make their home as energy-efficient as possible. The new double height extension will be a a spacious, open-plan lower ground floor, with a dynamic dual aspect to the front and back and designed to be bright and airy. This holistic approach to thermal efficiency and sustainable living coupled with considered design sets a benchmark for future refurbishments.

 

28
May

Your response to the energy crisis is requested-ASHP

London Townhouse powered by an Air Source Heat Pump | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

This ambitious London townhouse reconfigurationt redefines the traditional London townhouse layout for modern living, integrating an Air Source Heat Pump for sustainability.With rising energy costs, improving thermal efficiency was a priority. The project eliminates reliance on a gas boiler, enhancing insulation and overall energy performance.

At the heart of daily life will be a spacious, open-plan lower ground floor. Designed for light and space, it centres around the Danish made kitchen units, lounge, and dining area. The kitchen sits in a striking double-height space, created by removing part of the raised ground floor. A new mezzanine connects to a metal staircase leading to bespoke Danish-made kitchen units, the dining area, and the extension. The highly insulated timber-framed rear extension features a distinctive pyramidal roof with a large glazed top light, offering uninterrupted sky views. Beyond it, a new garden studio provides a dedicated workspace, mirroring the extension’s insulation for consistent energy efficiency.

On the top floor, a full roof rebuild includes a rear dormer conversion, maximizing insulation while preserving floor space. Custom-made wardrobes make use of generous roof voids in each bedroom. To cut electricity use, solar PV panels on the dormer roof support a sustainable energy strategy, reducing the home’s overall environmental impact.

 

27
Apr

Mansion block refurbishment with Roof Terrace

Mansion Block Refurbishment with Terrace | Architects for Fulham | forrester architects

A fine mansion block flat conversion is the same as it was when it was purchased the early 2000’s. It’s time for a full refurbishment and there is the potential to provide a roof terrace accessed from the kitchen over the communal porch.  With a couple of minor interventions there is an opportunity to improve the living environment of the mansion block refurbishment with terrace.  The concept is based on the notion that the treatment of the core (bathroom and kitchen) will provide the basis of an architectural narrative for the refurbishment as a whole. With the potential to provide a private roof top terrace space there is great potential to enliven the aspect of the flat. A modest kitchen will be split to provide a galley configuration to allow easy access to the new terrace space.

11
Mar

Timber framed awning to form roof terrace to Dalston Lane

Timber Framed Roof Terrace | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

A new timber framed roof terrace will provide a new vibrant and functioning commercial venture to the rear of the existing warehouse building. There is a desire to introduce an external roof terrace space to allow fresh air and daylight into the large landlocked building. Securing a successful planning approval for the elaborate roof terrace structure and awning will provide the motivation to invest and reinstate new state of the art recording studios. This in return will foster increased local employment and sustain Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment facilities within the local area.

A south facing roof-space offers a perfect location and orientation for a roof terrace structure. To improve the overall visual appearance of the roofscape a sedum garden roof will extend along the length of the building. In addition, a series of beehives will be introduced which will contribute to a balance between nature and the continued light industrial use of the building.

A bank of solar panels will be introduced to contribute to the client’s responsive and sustainable environmental strategy which already involves the use of a newly installed Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP).

01
Mar

Step into the elegance of a new Mayfair boutique

London Shoe Boutique | Architects for Mayfair | forrester architects

Delighted  to announce forresterarchitects have completed another retail refurbishment for Rupert Sanderson’s latest London Shoe Boutique. The refurbishment seamlessly blends style and practicality, with redesigned workstations maximizing floor area and ensuring modern efficiency. The minimalist design of the gallery space provides an elegant backdrop for the latest trends. Reflecting a collaborative effort to meet the client’s needs, the design approach was a light touch, enhancing the existing features of the space and creating a welcoming retail environment for customers. The design of the boutique aims to reflect the quality and craftsmanship of the Rupert Sanderson brand.