THE BLOG

20
Jan

Green Oak barn extension added to a traditional Cotswolds cottage

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Listed Buildings & Conservation

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

A green oak barn extension has been added as part of the refurbishment of 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.

Posted by / Commercial, House Refurbishment, Interior Design, Listed Buildings & Conservation

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.

Posted by / New Build

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!

Posted by / Commercial, House Refurbishment, Interior Design, Listed Buildings & Conservation

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

Posted by / Commercial

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.

Posted by / Commercial

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

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

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

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

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

forresterarchitects have developed a unique one bed flat extension 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.

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. 

See other projects in your Borough:

Havering South Bucks New Zealand Jersey Oxford Western Australia Yorkshire Dales National Park Lewisham Yorkshire Barnet Romford Cambridge Hertsmere Haringey Tower Hamlets Colchester Côte d'Azur Waltham Forest Cotswolds AONB Tonbridge & Malling Norfolk Broads AONB Fulham West Brompton Woking Balham Newham Feature Hammersmith & Fulham Brent Southwark Lambeth Westminster Kensington & Chelsea Islington Hackney Camden

Project Type:

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