THE BLOG

20
Mar

A Surrey cottage is a perfect home from home

Period Cottage Refurbishment | Architect for Surrey | forrester architects

forresterarchitects have recently completed an extensive refurbishment project for a period cottage in Surrey, which was previously divided into two. The client’s brief was to retain the traditional features of the property while upgrading the five bedrooms with new bathrooms. forresterarchitects created a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the main reception room with two back-to-back open fireplaces and a new antique parquet floor. The family rooms were also connected through this floor, providing a seamless transition between spaces.

In the rear section of the property, an open-plan layout was introduced, connecting the family and garden rooms to the large island kitchen. This has provided a comfortable and spacious area for the family to gather, relax and entertain guests. The kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances and a large island counter, making it a functional and practical space for everyday use. forresterarchitects also added a dormer conversion to the roof, creating a new master bedroom and ensuite that overlooks a large landscaped garden. This new addition has provided a private retreat for the homeowners to relax and unwind in the comfort of their own home. Throughout the refurbishment process, forresterarchitects were careful to preserve the period features of the cottage, including the exposed beams and traditional brickwork. forresterarchitects worked closely with the client to ensure that every aspect of the renovation was carried out with precision and care, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that has been restored to its former glory.

The cottage refurbishment is a perfect example of how traditional features can be preserved while still creating a modern and comfortable living space. The project has breathed new life into the property, transforming it into a functional and stylish home that meets the needs of the 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.

20
Jan

Green Oak barn extension added to a traditional Cotswolds cottage

Green Oak Barn Extension | Architects for the Cotswolds | forrester architects

forresterarchitects has been tasked with refurbishing and extending the Coach House, a detached stone house located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The property boasts several charming features, including stone fireplaces, exposed stone walls, timber beams, and stone window seats. However, a full interior refurbishment is required, and a Green Oak extension will be added to the rear of the Coach House.

forresterarchitects drew inspiration from the surrounding area’s light industrial and agricultural forms to create a simple, sustainable extension that complements the existing structure. The new addition will feature a sustainable drainage solution for surface water, which will utilise natural drainage techniques to collect, treat, store, and slowly release stormwater into the environment. The Green Oak barn extension will be designed with the key principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility in mind. The extension will be in harmony with the surrounding area, featuring a timber clad roof and utilising local materials such as Cotswold stone. The project will provide a well-proportioned building that seamlessly blends the old with the new.

In summary, forresterarchitects will undertake a full refurbishment of the Coach House while adding a Green Oak extension that is designed to be sustainable and environmentally responsible. The extension will provide a simple architectural response that is in harmony with the surrounding area and showcases the beauty of the Cotswolds AONB.

30
Nov

Five floor Townhouse rental property investment in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Townhouse rental property investment | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | forrester architects

forresterarchitects are currently working on a rental property investment project involving a five-storey townhouse located in the heart of Notting Hill. The townhouse is being fully refurbished and upgraded to ensure high-quality accommodation suitable for young professional couples. Each of the one-bedroom flats is individually designed to meet the client’s requirements and comes with improved acoustic separation to ensure maximum comfort and privacy for the tenants.

A new roof extension has been added to the townhouse to create a duplex two-bedroom penthouse with a rear terrace that provides an ideal pied-à-terre for those seeking a central London location. The design of the extension is sympathetic to the existing building, with careful consideration given to its visual impact and the conservation area in which it is located. The overall aim of the project is to create a series of high-end rental properties that will appeal to a discerning clientele. The emphasis is on providing quality, comfort and convenience, with each flat benefiting from a modern, functional layout and high-quality finishes throughout.

forresterarchitects are committed to delivering projects that meet the needs and aspirations of their clients. Their approach is one of collaboration and innovation, working closely with the client to ensure that every aspect of the project is carefully considered and executed to the highest standards. 

29
Jan

A dedicated voice over studio for home working.

Garden Studio | Architects for Finchley | forrester architects

In the realm of voice-over work, a significant change has taken place, as the essential studio has now shifted from a dedicated space to a cozy bedroom in a spacious semi-detached house in North London. However, a former client, now with more time to dedicate to their craft, seeks an inspiring atmosphere for the creation of their audio masterpieces, prompting the quest for a perfect studio within the garden. To seamlessly blend with the beautifully landscaped surroundings, an architectural solution that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic is desired. The envisioned garden studio, with its sleek and unassuming design, remains discreetly tucked away behind the garden fence. Its exposed timber cladding not only complements the existing garden vernacular but also ensures visual continuity with the surrounding environment.

29
Aug

Get ready for the boardwalk!

London Boutique | Architects for Mayfair | forrester architects

forresterarchitects have recently completed a refurbishment of the interior of the Rupert Sanderson boutique in Mayfair, London. The design approach was to take a light touch, enhancing the existing features of the space and creating a welcoming environment for customers.

The refurbished boutique will be ready for a summer reopening, just in time for customers to explore the collection of shoes and accessories on offer. With a nod to the iconic boardwalks of beachside resorts, the design incorporates natural materials and textures such as wood and woven fabrics. The layout of the boutique has been reconfigured to improve the flow and functionality of the space. New bespoke joinery has been added to display the products in an elegant and organized manner. Soft lighting has been introduced to create an inviting atmosphere and highlight the details of the products on display.

The design of the refurbished boutique aims to reflect the quality and craftsmanship of the Rupert Sanderson brand. With the reopening of the boutique in Mayfair, customers can look forward to a stylish and welcoming shopping experience.

18
Mar

A new-build patisserie provides a vibrant street presence to North London

New-Build Patisserie | Architects for Park Royal | North London

forresterarchitects have been commissioned to design a new-build patisserie on a busy road in North London. The patisserie aims to increase income and re-establish a popular eatery that was forced to relocate due to the HS2 infrastructure. The new commercial premises have an under-utilised area of adjacent land, which offers the potential for development.

The location of the new patisserie is on a busy, anonymous road in North London, making it an ideal spot for attracting new customers. The simple geometric form and the inclusion of a shisha tent and terrace will provide a unique and visually interesting design that will appeal to passersby. The design will provide a notable new landmark in the area that will attract new customers and offer a unique environment to eat, drink and relax.

The proposed patisserie will be a simple geometric form that will include a shisha tent and terrace adjacent to the highly productive bakery. The design of the building will provide visually interesting framed views through the patisserie and terrace beyond in a simple linear plan. This will create a notable new landmark in the area, attracting both new and existing customers. 

 

18
Aug

Barrel vaults and glazed brick slips enhance an office refurbishment in Jersey.

Faience Brick Facade | Architects for Jersey | St. Helier, Jersey

forresterarchitects is taking a rigorous design approach to provide a considered architectural solution to the faience brick facade.

The design team will retain the barrel vault as a visually interesting form to draw attention to the building entrance. Underneath the canopy, a series of existing brick piers will be reestablished to create a new regular rhythm across the length of the facade. To enhance the facade, each of the brick piers will be updated with a new glazed brick slip. The facade of Commercial Street in St. Helier, Jersey, will feature a series of shallow barrel vaulted arches and a faience brick facade of blue glazed bricks. The proposed refurbishment will provide a refreshed street frontage for a busy thoroughfare. The design team aims to create an enlivened facade that will enhance the visual appeal of Commercial Street. With a new regular rhythm established across the length of the facade, the street frontage will be visually cohesive and attractive.

The project is an example of how rigorous design can provide an architectural solution that is both visually interesting and functional. By retaining the barrel vault and enhancing the brick piers, the design team has created a new facade that is both attractive and inviting. The new facade will enliven the street frontage and contribute to the overall visual appeal of Commercial Street.

06
May

A garden pergola provides inspiration for a new East London extension

Garden Pergola Extension | Architects for Newham | East Ham, East London

forresterarchitects has designed a new rear garden pergola extension that takes full advantage of the orientation of the property located in East Ham, East London, in the borough of Newham. The extension has been carefully planned to allow the garden to receive sunlight throughout the day, from early morning to late evening, as the sun moves across the sky to the west. The extension has been designed to improve the visual connection between the house, the garden, and the sky beyond.

The pergola extension is characterized by a series of layers that frame views and create a strong sense of connection between the interior and the garden. The design takes into consideration the orientation of the property and the movement of the sun throughout the day. An exposed roof structure extends into the garden to form a garden pergola that provides a passive solar shading device to the interior. The pergola will protect the interior from direct sunlight while allowing for natural light to enter the space. The design will also help to regulate the temperature of the interior space, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

The garden pergola extension will provide a beautiful and functional addition to the property. The pergola will create a shaded outdoor space that can be used for dining, relaxation, and entertaining. The extension will also enhance the visual appeal of the property, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the garden. The design will provide a contemporary and stylish solution that is sympathetic to the existing property while providing a new and exciting space for the owners to enjoy.

12
Apr

A new one bed flat extension in the garden vernacular

One Bed Flat Extension | Architects for Oxford | Temple Cowley, Oxford

forresterarchitects have developed a unique design solution for a corner plot in Temple Cowley, Oxford. The project involved creating a one-bedroom flat extension that considered the site constraints imposed by the irregular property demise. The feasibility studies revealed that a conventional rear extension would obstruct access to the rear garden or potentially conflict with the neighboring property.

Instead, forresterarchitects designed a new addition that allows for the reconfiguration of the existing floor plan. The dining and lounge areas are located between the bedroom and extension to provide a bright and airy living environment. Additionally, the new extension provides a second bedroom and a dedicated studio/library for the academics. The design solution is considered and well-executed, providing a considered response to the unique challenges of the site. By creating a one-bedroom flat extension that works with the property’s irregularities, forresterarchitects were able to maximize the space available and provide a comfortable and functional living environment. The addition of a second bedroom and dedicated studio/library adds value to the property and meets the client’s specific needs.