THE BLOG

25
Feb

A little gem in the Canonbury Conservation Area frames views of an easterly sky

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Glazed Facet Extension  | Architects for Islington | Canonbury Conservation Area

For an Islington townhouse in the Canonbury Conservation Area, forresterarchitects have designed a new extension that features a unique faceted glazed structure. The design concept is simple yet striking, with a series of angles that provide a rich sculptural form and define the new garden lounge extension.

The angles on the facade of the extension provide a notional subdivision for the different functions within the space, which in turn inform the language of the facade and the extent of privacy to the rear. This approach has resulted in a beautifully designed space that is both functional and visually appealing, offering the clients a contemporary and elegant living space. The faceted glazed structure allows for natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The angles on the facade also create interesting and dynamic shadows throughout the day, adding to the visual interest of the space. 

The new garden lounge extension is a seamless addition to the Canonbury townhouse, complementing the original design while adding a contemporary touch. forresterarchitects have carefully considered the surrounding conservation area, ensuring that the extension is in harmony with its surroundings while still making a bold design statement.

 

18
Jan

Facade retention with full basement added to a house in Tottenham

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Facade retention refurbishment with full basement | Architects for Tottenham | North London

In Tottenham, forresterarchitects is proposing a facade retention refurbishment with a full basement for a neglected semi-detached property close to the grounds of Tottenham Hotspur football stadium. The extensive dereliction means that only the front facade of the property will be retained, and a new basement floor will be added. To provide local professionals with living space, forresterarchitects has planned to create four flats in different configurations. A careful engineering strategy has been put in place to ensure a logical construction process without the need for full demolition.

The new building will be reconstructed in the same style as the existing property, with a new outrigger extension added to the rear over three floors. The proposed plan seeks to bring life back to a long-neglected property and provide much-needed housing for local professionals. forresterarchitects has a track record of successful projects, including a full house refurbishment with a basement floor in fashionable Stoke Newington. The project involves extensive site investigations and opening up works to determine the state of the property. forresterarchitects has proposed a logical construction strategy to minimise the environmental impact and cost of the project. 

The proposed facade retention refurbishment with a full basement in Tottenham represents an innovative solution to the challenge of revitalizing a neglected property. By retaining the original facade, forrresterarchitects is preserving the character of the area, while the addition of new living spaces will provide much-needed housing for local professionals. 

12
Nov

A riverfront Townhouse reorientated to focus on the Swan River

Posted by / Interior Design

Riverside Refurbishment | Architects for Perth, Australia | Claremont, Perth

Located in Claremont, Perth, a riverside townhouse is a coveted property for its idyllic location on the banks of the Swan River. However, after purchasing the townhouse, the clients realized that it had lost its 1970s charm and required refurbishment. To achieve this, forresterarchitects planned to enliven the simple interior with period fixtures and fittings, while creating a modern open-plan environment.

To begin with, the upper floor bedrooms were reconfigured to provide simple ensuite facilities, thereby enhancing the functionality of the space. forresterarchitects then reoriented the living room, kitchen, and dining space to form a new focal point for the house, which would be the ever-changing Swan River. This would create a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior, offering the clients a stunning view of the river. The incorporation of period fixtures and fittings added character and warmth to the space, while the modern open-plan design ensured a seamless flow between the various living areas. The reconfiguration of the upper floor bedrooms ensured that the space was functional and met the clients’ requirements.

The refurbishment created a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern design, offering the clients a comfortable and elegant living space that they could enjoy for years to come. forresterarchitects ensured that the design was in harmony with the location, and the end result was a beautiful riverside home that was both functional and visually appealing.

13
Oct

A double-storey extension is proposed to West Hampstead garden

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Two Storey Garden Extension | Architects for Camden | West Hampstead, London

forresterarchitects has proposed a two-storey rear extension to replace an inadequate existing extension in a West Hampstead maisonette. The new design aims to rationalize the hierarchy of the maisonette by placing living rooms on the raised ground floor and bedrooms on the lower ground floor. In planning terms, the proposed extension has been designed according to the 45-degree rule, which aims to prevent the loss of daylight to neighbouring properties, avoid excessive overshadowing of gardens and preserve a reasonable standard of outlook.

The new extension will be designed to meet the needs of modern living and provide a larger, more functional space for the client. By improving the layout, the new design will allow for more natural light to enter the living spaces, creating a brighter and more comfortable environment. In addition to improving the living spaces, the extension will also be designed to complement the existing architecture of the maisonette. The materials and finishes used will be carefully selected to ensure that they match the existing building and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. 

The proposed extension will be constructed with a focus on sustainability, with materials selected for their environmental impact and energy-efficient technologies used throughout the building. This approach will not only reduce the environmental impact of the project but also result in lower energy bills for the homeowners.

 

05
Jul

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

Posted by / House Refurbishment

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
May

Two neighbours add a roof top extension to double the area of their maisonette.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Roof Top Extension  | Architects for Camden | Camden Square Conservation Area

The owners of the top floor flats to Cliff Road, together, aim to improve the quality of the existing housing stock. A new roof extension is proposed to the existing flat roof terrace. It provides bright and airy living rooms to the new roof space. Each flat currently provides one bedroom accommodation. Both flats, as part of the planning submission, will carry out a full refurbishment as part of the works as each property requires modernisation. Both flats will be modestly reconfigured to improve the accommodation and sanitary provision.

21
Mar

An new outrigger extension added to a townhouse in the Keystone Conservation Area

Posted by / Interior Design

Keystone Townhouse  | Architects for Islington | Kings Cross, London

forresterarchitects have obtained planning permission for a rear outrigger extension for a Keystone Conservation Area townhouse located near Kings Cross, London. The extension will provide additional accommodation and allow for the reconfiguration of the house to achieve a reasonable level of living space. To create this space, the existing master bathroom will be replaced with a new bedroom on the second floor. However, this will require the relocation of the house’s sanitary provision to another area without altering the existing floor plan.

The new rear outrigger extension will include a new shower room and a new bathroom, both accessible from each half landing and entered through the existing stairwell. This solution will provide additional space for the family without compromising the existing floor plan. Keystone Conservation Area is an area with a rich history and unique architecture, and forresterarchitects will ensure that the new extension complements the surrounding buildings.

The design will be carefully considered, and the materials chosen will be in keeping with the area’s traditional style. forresterarchitects will also work closely with the client to ensure their needs are met while adhering to the conservation area consent. By collaborating with the client, the team will create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

 

19
Jan

Convert the undercroft to add a little rental income.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Undercroft Conversion | Architects for Wellington | New Zealand

forresterarchitects is currently working on an undercroft conversion project in Khandallah, a suburb in Wellington, New Zealand. The site is situated on the hills of Khandallah and boasts a lower ground floor undercroft that currently remains under-utilised. forresterarchitects plan to convert this voided space into a one-bedroom studio flat, thus realising its full potential. The studio flat will be accessible via its own front door, providing a simple conversion to the colonial style house.

The converted undercroft will provide rental income to the highly sought-after neighbourhood in Wellington. With a large enough volume, the undercroft is ideal for accommodating the exposed hillside. The conversion will help to unlock the space’s potential and increase the value of the property. Our vision for the undercroft conversion involves creating a spacious and functional living area that blends seamlessly with the existing colonial-style house. The design will be sympathetic to the house’s existing features, while incorporating modern amenities and finishes to ensure maximum comfort for the occupants. We are working closely with the client to ensure that their vision for the undercroft conversion is realised. They will provide expert advice on planning and construction, ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The undercroft conversion project in Khandallah is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an under-utilised space. The converted one-bedroom studio flat will provide a valuable addition to the property, creating a unique living space that is both functional and attractive. 

10
Jan

A new house forms a new book-end development to a Clapton terrace.

Posted by / New Build

Book-end House | Architects for Hackney | Clapton, Hackney

forresterarchitects has been working on an exciting project in Clapton, Hackney, for a one-bedroom house with limited potential for development. The rear outrigger extension was sold as a one-bedroom house, but it has limited scope for development unless an additional floor is added. However, the house is a book-end property, and forresterarchitects see this as an opportunity to realise the full potential of the freehold plot.

The existing roof space volume will provide the additional floor space required to achieve a new two/three bedroom house, which will significantly increase the property’s value. forresterarchitects have carefully considered the design of the extension to ensure that it complements the existing property’s style and character. The project presents an exciting opportunity for forresterarchitects to create a beautiful, functional, and modern living space that maximises the available floor area. The new two/three bedroom house will provide ample space for a growing family and add value to the property. forresterarchitects have taken into account various design considerations, such as the layout, materials, and lighting, to ensure that the extension is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional. The new extension will provide plenty of natural light and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The project presents a unique opportunity to realise the full potential of the freehold plot and create a beautiful, functional, and modern living space. forresterarchitects have carefully considered various design considerations to ensure that the extension complements the existing property’s style and character while providing ample space for a growing family.

11
Aug

A blue steel truss mezzanine transforms a single storey cottage refurbishment.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Blue Steel Mezzanine  | Architects for Camden | Highgate, North West London

A small cottage in our client’s garden was under utilised but held great potential; that potential has now been realised. A new blue steel mezzanine has been inserted to run the length of the cottage to provide a significant increase in usable floor area. The cottage interior has enlivened to provide a simple but bold stand-alone accommodation for the in-laws. When the cottage is not being used by guests it retains the flexibility to provide a study area for the client’s daughters. Or in the evening it can be used as a party venue following dinner parties or where everyone can watch a film. To assist in the flexibility of space clever joinery will be incorporated to conceal the beds when they are not in use.

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Project Type:

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