THE BLOG

24
Apr

A layered extension opens into the garden in the Parkhill & Upper Park Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Rear Extension | Architects for Belsize Park | Parkhill Conservation Area, North West London

forresterarchitects are preparing the contract documentation for a layered rear extension and full house refurbishment in Belsize Park. A considered and alternative design solution to the rear garden extension. It avoids the conventional and offers a striking addition to the mature gardens of North West London.
 
The new extension will replace the original kitchen extension which was not sized for a large semi-detached six bedroom house. A series of angled facets provide a form which is explored and developed further to define an original form for the new kitchen extension. The facets provide a notional subdivision of the kitchen. The preparation, washing and breakfast areas aim to respond to its sensitive garden setting. The inclined form rises to the garden to provide a natural shading device.
 
The entire house has been refurbished to include the remodelling of the master bedroom and bathroom. The other bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms are being refurbished with a simple palette of natural materials.
10
Mar

A double height basement extension to the Clapham Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Basement Extension | Architects for Clapham | forrester architects.

forresterarchitects are working with interior designer Callender Howorth on a full house refurbishment in Clapham, South London. The house has had significant remodelling carried out and a new basement floor has been added. A new double height extension to the rear will allow direct access to the garden. To the top floor a new loft studio is provided and the existing garage will be reconfigured to provide a discreet side entrance. All retaining the traditional period features of the house a short walk from Clapham Common.  

04
Feb

A new maisonette to the Kensington Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Maisonette | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | forrester architects

forresterarchitects have submitted a full planning application for a new maisonette extension in Campden Hill Gardens. A modest two-storey extension is to provide a new kitchen to the raised ground floor and sized bedrooms to the lower ground floor. The proposal offers a modern architectural solution which respects and contributes to the immediate context. The rear extension provides a simple form of accommodation drawing from the traditional brickwork fabric to the rear. With an increased floor plate ancillary space was provided without compromising the existing floor plan further.
 
A simple hierarchy of spaces is defined by the arrangement of open plan living spaces and more private bedrooms on the lower ground floor. The maisonette is entered from the existing communal entrance at raised ground level. It aims to provide extra space beyond the current floor plan to overcome the restrictions of the lower and raised ground floor. Access will remain to the rear garden terrace from each of the new bedrooms providing daylight and natural ventilation.
 
The existing facade will be refurbished as part of the refurbishment respecting the style and detailing of the original period property.
26
Jan

Absent_The School Library!

Posted by / Interior Design

School Library | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

A school in Hackney has lost its library to the IT room. If you thought a school was built around the library then things have changed since you were at school. The new Head Teacher is going to change this and has asked a few parents to re-establish the library so the children can enjoy and focus on reading. Sant Design Studio together with forresterarchitects is pleased to be helping.
 
A design feasibility proposal has been approved and the library works will be carried out over the Easter half-term. With only the four walls of the classroom remaining we’re starting from first principles. In keeping with the changing times, there will be a mixture of paper and electronic media to keep up with evolving technologies. Bespoke furniture will be arranged to create three informal reading zones with easy access to the book shelving. The bookshelves are accessible to all ages. When needed the bookshelves can be moved aside to allow a large seating area focussed on the whiteboard. The aim is to provide a library that reflects the school ethos_to inspire, develop and nurture every child to have the confidence to learn.

 

10
Dec

A childhood retreat is to be rebuilt as a legacy for the family in Nice, France.

Posted by / New Build

New Build House | Architects for Les Issambres | Nice, France

Forrester architects are working on a new build house in Les Issambres, Nice, France. The new house is set in the landscape due to the rolling terrain and the changes in level across the site are dramatic. A series of interlinked pavilions are proposed and are cut into the natural fall in the landscape. The cuts in the landscape provide routes around the house and provide natural terraced areas for sitting, eating and relaxing. The garden landscapes beyond the terraces provide a dialogue between the inside and outside of the house.
 
The land on which the house sits is long established, well located and desirable. It has been in the family for over thirty years and the house and the land could be sold in its current undeveloped state. The house in its current state is close to a state of disrepair and will be demolished. In its current state to patch and repair the house will be problematic. Only the lower ground floor capable of being retained without falling down during the refurbishment works.
 
In essence, a more cost effective route would be to demolish the house and rebuild. This will result in a larger new-build house. With improved construction, it will offer an investment for the younger generations.
 
Current property sales state that a 5 bed Villa property in the location are on the market listed in the region of £3m.  Forrester architects have designed a house to suit the family’s requirements. and provide holiday accommodation for the whole family.
 
When the house is not required it can be offered to the rental market. Currently, a 5 bed Villa will provide a rental income of circa 5000 euros per week.
08
Nov

A non-conformist London roof returns to Stoke Newington.

Posted by / Refurbishment

Rear Extension and House Refurbishment | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London

forresterarchitects have completed a full house refurbishment to a fine Victorian terraced house in Stoke Newington. The house had not been decorated for many years and a refurbishment was well overdue.  A new non-conformist rear extension was proposed. A modern interpretation of the London Roof provides the extension with a unique language for the house. The roof structure is expressed as exposed timber joist with a plywood ceiling which adds a simple but natural warmth to the interior.

The roof construction avoids a traditional cold roof construction of slate tile and rafter. Instead a single ply polymeric roof membrane provides a lightweight well-insulated alternative. A large hexagonal glass window frames views of the small urban garden from the living room.

 As part of the reconfiguration works the kitchen has been moved into the middle of the house. A new open plan galley kitchen provides a connection between the lounge and the dining room which has moved to the front bay windowed room.  The dining room is now orientated for the early morning sun-rise to the East and perfect for breakfast. Other works to the house involve the conversion of the original roof space to provide a traditional loft conversion.

This adds a new floor of accommodation for guests. A wet-room shower room has been located on the top floor landing to avoid losing any bedroom space. The house was configured as a three bedroom house now provides five bedrooms.  As part of the refurbishments works the entire house has been rewired with new plumbing throughout. Each room has been provided with hard-wired CAT 5 data connectivity.

05
Sep

A new garden studio for fashionable Notting Hill.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Garden Studio | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | West London

forresterarchitects have submitted a planning application for a new detached garden studio to a house in Notting Hill. The concept design offers a modern architectural solution to provide extra studio accommodation within the rear garden which respects and contributes to the character of the site and its immediate environment. The new structure is orientated to capture the south facing aspect to enhance the garden environment and create a visual dialogue between the studio and the garden beyond.

01
Aug

Listed Building Consent for a Grade II Church in Denmark Hill.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Listed Building Consent | Architects for Southwark | Denmark Hill, South East London

forresterarchitects have recently submitted Listed Building Consent for the interior refurbishment of a Grade II Chapel. The project proposes the installation of a replacement screen within the foyer. The screen configuration will remain as the current screen, with large double doors that open onto the Lobby from the Church Meeting Room.
 
The newly designed foyer screen improves visibility between the Meeting Room and the Entrance Foyer. It establishes connectivity to the Chapel. Given the historical setting, the proposed screen has been designed to be a sympathetic addition. Being both carefully proportioned and made from high-quality materials. The oak frames and polished- brass detailing enhance the visual and architectural character of the vestibule.
 
Significantly the proposal has been designed to have a minimal impact on the existing fabric of the building. Sustainability has been considered as part of the submission. It is more difficult in historic buildings but not impossible for sensitive interventions. Previous improvements have been installed in Grove Chapel’s desire to reduce heat losses and increase the energy efficiency of the building. Yet retaining a welcoming appearance to visitors of the Chapel.
04
Jul

A double height volume to a maisonette refurbishment in the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions

Maisonette Reconfigured | Architects for Camden | North West London

A desirable maisonette which forms part of an imposing end of terrace Victorian house in Dartmouth Park is bursting at the seams. The client doesn’t want to move and a maisonette refurbishment offers great potential. A design feasibility report has been submitted by forresterarchitects to realise the full potential. Currently configured as a two bedroom with a South facing aspect the internal layout is completely reconfigured. The bedrooms are relocated to the rear of the property with the main living spaces moved to the rear. A key design feature is the creation of an open plan double height space which opens onto the rear garden.

16
Jun

A duplex refurbishment to a second penthouse in St Johns Wood.

Posted by / Interior Design

Duplex Penthouse Refurbishment | Architects for Westminster | St John’s Wood, North West London

The second penthouse in a prestigious development, located in St. John’s Wood, North West London has been completed by forresterarchitects. The same client, as the previous penthouse refurbishment, has purchased a second apartment as an investment property. It too required a fresh approach to enliven this luxury penthouse apartment which is configured as a duplex apartment. A simple muted palette is adapted to suit the client’s taste. As with the previous refurbishment, an open plan configuration is retained. In ‘Starck’ contrast to the opulence of the previous Rococo interior, a sleek modern approach provides vitality to this desirable apartment.

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