THE BLOG

01
Jul

Not the only way…a house refurbishment in Essex.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Semi Detached Refurbishment and Rear Extension | Architects for Havering | Hornchurch, Essex

forresterarchitects is currently in the final stages of a semi-detached house refurbishment in Hornchurch, Essex. The redesign centers on a new stairwell that has been repositioned to serve a new floor added to the top of the house. The energy efficiency of the house has been improved, replacing all single-glazed windows with new double-glazed units, and adding wall insulation to the exterior facade to keep heat inside. Every room has been reconfigured to create a more efficient floor plan. Additionally, a larger than normal rear extension has been added to provide an open-plan arrangement throughout the ground floor.

The refurbishment has greatly improved the functionality of the house, with a carefully planned layout and the addition of the new floor. The new stairwell and floor addition have also added a sense of spaciousness and light to the interior. The house is now much more energy-efficient with the added insulation and double-glazed windows, which will save the owners money on their heating bills. The larger rear extension has created an open plan space on the ground floor, providing a modern and functional living space for the owners. This space is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. The extension has also enhanced the exterior of the house, with a contemporary design that seamlessly blends with the original architecture.

Overall, the refurbishment and rear extension have significantly enhanced the value and functionality of the house. forresterarchitects attention to detail and careful planning have resulted in a beautiful and functional home that is now more energy-efficient and enjoyable for the owners.

18
Jun

An open plan ground floor to a house in Palmers Green.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Open Plan Ground Floor | Architects for Parsons Green

forresterarchitects have put forward a proposal for a planning application to build a new open plan extension at the back of a detached house in Palmers Green, North London. The new extension would create a big open plan space on the ground floor, perfect for a family room. To achieve this, they plan to remove some of the internal walls and reconfigure the entire ground floor.

The idea behind the project is to create a seamless flow between the different spaces on the ground floor, making it easier for the family to move around and interact with each other. By removing some of the internal walls, they can create a bigger and brighter space that feels more welcoming and spacious. This type of open plan ground floor layout is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes, as it allows families to spend more time together and makes entertaining guests easier. It’s a great way to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, as well as making the most of the available space.

forresterarchitects have experience in designing open plan spaces that are both functional and stylish. They understand how important it is to get the layout right and to ensure that the space is well-lit and comfortable to spend time in.

01
May

A design feasibility for a new-build Passive House (Passivhaus) in the Norfolk Broads.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation, New Build

New-Build Passive House (Passivhaus)| Architect for Norfolk Broads | Stalham, Norfolk

forresterarchitects have secured full planning approval for a new build house on the Norfolk Broads. The house will be designed to Passive House (Passivhaus) standards.

The Passive House (Passivhaus) concept aims to dramatically reduce the requirements for space heating and cooling whilst also creating excellent indoor comfort levels. The focus of the Passive House (Passivhaus) is to dramatically reduce the requirement for space heating and cooling, whilst also creating excellent indoor comfort levels.

This is primarily achieved by adopting a fabric first approach to the design, specifying high levels of insulation to the thermal envelope with exceptional levels of air tightness and the use of whole house mechanical ventilation. The heating requirement in a Passive House (Passivhaus) building is reduced to the point where a traditional heating system is no longer considered essential. Cooling is also minimised by the same principles and through the use of shading. Night purging and the use of natural cross-ventilation through open windows is encouraged during the summer months

The new house will be inspired by the light industrial forms which predominate the local surrounding area. The roof forms explored and developed further to provide a modern architectural solution which draws references from these vernacular forms and materials and how they are positioned in the landscape. The accommodation brief is expressed in an informal arrangement of ‘sheds’. The ‘sheds’ in their juxtaposition aim to contribute positively to the local character of the area and the wider environment.

The new build house is almost perfectly orientated benefiting from a South facing facade. To maximise further from the early morning sunshine the house will be orientated a further 10 degrees to the East.

10
Apr

A new London roof to a house refurbishment in the Brackenbury Village.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

House Refurbishment and Rear Extension | Architects for Hammersmith & Fulham | Brackenbury Village, West London

forresterarchitects have provided a full architectural service for a house refurbishment in the Bradmore Conservation Area in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. A fine Victorian terraced house in the Brackenbury Village. It has been reconfigured to provide four bedrooms. A key design feature of the house is a large principle bedroom with open plan access to a private bathroom. The other bedrooms have been enhanced with fine bespoke joinery. A dynamic rear extension introduces the London roof to provide a modern kitchen and dining room.

01
Dec

Do you own land in a difficult location? It doesn’t mean you can’t get planning permission for the house of your dreams.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Planning Appeal | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London

forresterarchitects recently succeeded in overturning a decision by the local planning department to refuse a rear extension development in North London. The development was proposed for a unique warehouse conversion that required additional space to reach its full potential. The design proposed a modest extension that blended seamlessly with the existing Victorian warehouse property. However, the planning submission was deemed overbearing and inappropriate in its local context, resulting in the planning department’s refusal.

To proceed with the development, a planning appeal was lodged by forresterarchitects, which demonstrated how the development was in full compliance with current planning policy. Following an inspection by the Planning Inspectorate, the appeal was successful, and full planning permission was subsequently granted, much to the client’s delight. forresterarchitects have extensive experience with planning appeals, and their successful track record demonstrates their ability to navigate the often complex and challenging planning process. forresterarchitects worked closely with clients to ensure that their vision is realised while meeting planning requirements and regulations. This particular project showcases forresterarchitects ability to design extensions that blend seamlessly with existing properties while meeting planning requirements. By proposing a modest extension that harmoniously complemented the warehouse conversion’s character, the team demonstrated their commitment to preserving and enhancing the local built environment.

In summary, forresterarchitects success in this planning appeal highlights their expertise in navigating the planning process and their commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet both client and regulatory requirements.

See other projects in your Borough:

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Project Type:

Sketch/Feasibility Commercial New Build Interior Design Listed Buildings & Conservation Extensions & Conversions House Refurbishment