THE BLOG

16
Jul

A farmhouse and barn renovation is now ready for a harsh Yorkshire winter.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Farmhouse Refurbishment | Architects for the Yorkshire Dales | Leyburn, Yorkshire

Situated in Leyburn, Yorkshire, a farmhouse refurbishment is almost complete, just in time for the wood-burning stove to be stoked up. The architects have ensured that the house retains its wonderful original features, including exposed timber beams, a stone-tiled roof, and half a meter thick solid walls.

The retention of these original features has helped to preserve the charm and character of the farmhouse, while modernising it for contemporary living. Underfloor heating was added throughout the ground floor to counteract the harshest driving wind. The wood-burning stove adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the space, creating a warm and inviting living space for the clients. forresterarchitects have been careful to ensure that the refurbishment is in harmony with the farmhouse’s original design and style, creating a seamless blend of old and new. This has resulted in a farmhouse that is both functional and visually appealing, offering the clients a comfortable and elegant living space.

Forresterarchitects have completed the refurbishment of the farmhouse, preserving its original features while adding modern elements to enhance its functionality. The result is a beautiful and charming farmhouse that is in harmony with its surroundings and perfectly suited for contemporary living.

05
Jun

Picture framed views of Canonbury through a new Orangery.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Townhouse Orangery | Architects for Canonbury | North London

forresterarchitects is currently refurbishing and enlarging a beautiful Islington townhouse in Canonbury, North London. As part of the refurbishment, a new kitchen is being extended on the first floor to create a largely glazed orangery. This will provide unrestricted views to the rear of the property, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior.

To take advantage of the stunning views, there is an opportunity to provide a large picture window arrangement. forresterarchitects are currently working on feasibility studies to determine the best configuration of the glazed panels, which will be arranged to respond to the rich variety of windows on the rear facade. The result will be a beautifully designed space that maximizes the natural light and views, while preserving the original features of the townhouse. The orangery will add an elegant and contemporary touch to the property, providing the clients with a functional and visually appealing space that they can enjoy for years to come.

The new orangery will be a stunning addition to the property, providing a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior and maximizing the natural light and views. forresterarchitects attention to detail and careful consideration of the property’s original features have resulted in a beautifully designed space that is both functional and visually appealing.

14
May

A stepped extension and garden studio to the rear of a townhouse in Hackney.

Posted by / New Build

Extension Garden Studio | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects.

forresterarchitects have been commissioned by a repeat client to work on a full maisonette refurbishment in Hackney, North London. The maisonette will undergo significant remodelling, including a new lower ground extension that will provide two separate dwellings. A new garden studio to the rear of the property will offer ancillary accommodation with direct access to the garden. Meanwhile, a new loft studio will be added to the top floor and the existing garage space will be reconfigured to provide a discreet side entrance.

The proposed lower ground extension will be a significant addition to the property, providing additional living space and allowing for two separate dwellings. The new garden studio to the rear of the property is designed to complement the existing building while also offering ancillary accommodation with direct access to the garden. forresterarchitects have paid particular attention to the new loft studio, which will be an important part of the redesign. The new loft space will provide additional living space and will be designed to maximise the use of natural light. The existing garage will be reconfigured to provide a discreet side entrance, allowing for easy access to the property without disrupting the existing layout. The proposed design is an excellent example of how an intelligent redesign can add value to a property while also enhancing its functionality. The proposed lower ground extension and garden studio will provide additional living space, while the new loft studio will add an extra dimension to the property. The use of natural light and attention to detail in the design will create a space that is both beautiful and functional.

Overall, the proposed maisonette refurbishment in Hackney, North London, by forresterarchitects is an excellent example of how an intelligent redesign can add value and functionality to a property. The proposed design is carefully considered, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the project. The result will be a beautiful and functional space that meets the client’s needs while also adding value to the property.

 

07
Apr

A new double height art gallery forms a new focal point to a townhouse refurbishment.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Gallery for a House | Architects for Belsize Park | Camden, North London

A gallery for a house forms part of the brief to a new full house refurbishment in Belsize Park, London. The house is tired but retains some interesting period features to the wall frieze and ceilings. It does need to be extended to provide an appropriate level of accommodation for entertaining. A key need of the brief is to provide an art gallery for the client and it seems a double height space to the rear of the house is well suited. The rear elevation aims to reconnect the house with the garden and provide a unique architectural solution.
 
To the top of the house, the windows are under-sized and the bedroom spaces seem a secondary consideration. We aim to open the roof space to provide a modern loft style environment for the children. The master bedroom will occupy the first floor in its entirety with a new bathroom, dressing room and study with great views over the city of London.
27
Mar

A mezzanine loft is added to a Belsize Park townhouse roof space.

Posted by / Interior Design

Townhouse Mezzanine  | Architects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

To the top of a fine detached house in Belsize Park, the windows are under-sized and the bedroom spaces seem a secondary consideration; it was likely to be accommodation for house staff. Through a number of feasibility studies, we have highlighted the potential to provide an additional floor within the loft space. Our intention is to open the roof space and provide a modern loft style environment. This will provide a more enlivened environment for the children’s bedrooms. The ceiling to each bedroom is sculpted to form a void created between the mezzanine. A new loft stair will provide a feature to the new open-plan loft room with the mezzanine structure will be incorporated into the existing roof structure.
17
Feb

A new first-floor Orangery provides a fine townhouse extension.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Townhouse Orangery | Architects for Canonbury | North London

For an Islington townhouse refurbishment and extension project, the forresterarchitects have proposed a raised ground floor entrance separate from the main house. The main requirement is for a larger kitchen, which will be extended on the first floor to create an orangery extension. This will provide additional space for a new dining room to be included within the kitchen. The roof is also being converted to add two bedrooms and a shower room. A panoramic loft room will offer stunning views of the city.

The orangery extension will be designed as a series of dual pitched roofs, and the massing of the building has been carefully considered to avoid creating an overbearing and boxy development at the rear. This will help the extension to blend in seamlessly with the existing building while also adding a touch of modernity. The project aims to make the most of the available space and to improve the functionality of the house while preserving its historic charm. The design has been carefully considered to ensure that the new extension is sympathetic to the existing architecture and does not overpower the original building. The addition of the orangery will not only provide a larger and more modern kitchen but will also bring in more natural light to the house. The raised ground floor entrance will give a separate identity to the house while also making it more accessible. The new loft rooms will provide extra living space and the panoramic views of the city will be an added bonus.

The townhouse orangery project is a perfect example of how a well-designed extension can enhance the functionality of a property while also preserving its character. forresterarchitects have managed to create a space that seamlessly blends the old with the new, and the end result will be a house that is more functional, spacious, and stylish.

 

27
Jan

A series of lantern volumes capture views of light and sky.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Lantern Extension | Architects for Waltham Forest | East London

For a terraced house in Waltham Forest, the clients loved their home but were unhappy with how dark it was. The existing extension was located at the back of the house, which also served as the only bathroom. Unfortunately, it blocked light and the view of the garden, leaving the kitchen and dining room feeling enclosed. The proposed solution was to knock down the existing extension and introduce a series of extruded volumes to capture more light and views of the sky.

forresterarchitects proposed a series of lanterns that would provide a more open and airy living space. By moving the family bathroom to the first floor next to the bedrooms, it not only created a more functional layout but also freed up space on the ground floor. The new extension is designed to be a seamless continuation of the original house, with materials and finishes that complement the existing structure.The proposed design features a loft dormer that would provide a guest bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom. This addition would add value to the house and provide additional space for guests to stay. The use of the lantern volumes and carefully placed windows provides natural light and views of the sky, making the space feel brighter and more open.The attention to detail in the proposed design is evident in the placement of windows and the use of natural light. The new extension is designed to be a space that connects seamlessly with the garden and the rest of the house, with an open plan living area that provides a perfect place for the family to relax and entertain guests.

Overall, forresterarchitects proposed lanterns for the terraced house in Waltham Forest is an excellent example of how an intelligent design can transform a dark and enclosed space into a bright and open living area. The proposed design addresses the clients’ concerns about the lack of natural light and creates a functional layout that works well for the family’s needs.

07
Dec

Our Conservation Area house refurbishment features in Don’t Move, Improve!

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Don’t Move Improve | Architects for Belsize Park | Camden, North London

A new rear extension and house refurbishment in North West London improves a fine semi-detached house in Belsize Park. A series of angled facets reconnects the rear extension with the garden to give a unique architectural solution. As with most Victorian houses, the kitchen is too small for a house of this size. Only a modest kitchen sink window the offers a glimpse of the glorious gardens beyond. The client wanted the house to feel better connected to the garden. The extension is expressed as series of solid and void angled facets. They have been used to set up a notional hierarchy to give a level of transparency between the house and garden. The kitchen enjoys a longer footprint with a frameless window to give views across the neighbouring gardens. Exposed timber joists incorporate low energy strip lighting across the kitche

03
Nov

An inside-outside garden extension.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Garden Room | Architects for South London | Forrester Architects

forresterarchitects have designed an innovative garden room for a client in South London who has a love for their long mature garden. The garden room design proposal aims to bring the garden into the new kitchen and dining room space, which will be a seamless addition to the existing building.

The original London brickwork facade of the garden room will undulate along its length, providing glimpses of the garden in all directions. This unique design concept results in a fine garden room that is both functional and visually striking. The undulating form of the facade is an innovative approach that allows the garden room to seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. The result is a space that feels connected to the outdoors, while still providing all the comforts of an indoor living space. The garden room is designed to be a versatile space that can be used for a variety of purposes. It will serve as an extension to the existing kitchen and dining room, providing additional space for entertaining or relaxation. The undulating form of the facade also creates interesting shadows and patterns throughout the day, adding to the visual interest of the space.

The unique design concept of the undulating brickwork facade provides glimpses of the garden in all directions, resulting in a fine garden room that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. The garden room is a versatile space that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it a valuable addition to the client’s home.

08
Oct

A new-build house near Hampstead Village.

Posted by / New Build

New Build House | Architects for North West London | Forrester Architects

We’re looking into a new build house solution for a current client. There is already a house on the plot but it is considered by Camden Planning of no architectural merit. It will be demolished. In its place a new open plan house of approximately 3000sq/ft. Near to Hampstead Village, the house will be set within the local conservation area. Our client is keen to avoid over developing the site and the house will not be overbearing scale and massing. The street facade will present a masonry frontage to complement the traditional context. To the rear, the garden is South facing and a sustainable energy strategy will be adopted to make the most of its perfect aspect.

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