THE BLOG

04
May

An new feature wall to an Art Deco flat.

Posted by / Interior Design

 Art Deco Flat Refurbishment | Architects for Wandsworth | Balham, South West London

forresterarchitects have completed a stunning refurbishment of a third-floor Art Deco flat located in a prestigious mansion block in Balham, South West London. The flat’s existing configuration was largely functional but presented some issues that needed to be resolved, and were tasked with finding solutions that would improve the space’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

One of the key features of the new design is a striking feature wall that provides a central focus for the flat. This wall can be easily circumnavigated to access the new kitchen layout and the reconfigured bathrooms, which were a priority for the client. The wall is not only a visually striking element of the design but also helps to divide the space into different zones, providing a sense of privacy and separation where needed. forresterarchitects worked closely with the client to create a new layout that would maximise the flat’s potential and address the issues that had been identified. The new design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with a contemporary feel that complements the Art Deco features of the building.

 The project has breathed new life into the flat, and the addition of the feature wall provides a striking focal point that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the design. The new layout also offers improved functionality, making the flat more practical and user-friendly for its occupants. The Art Deco flat in Balham now offers a perfect balance of style and functionality, providing its occupants with a beautiful and practical home that meets all of their needs.

29
Apr

A simpler solution for a rear extension on Ladbroke Grove in the Oxford Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Rear Extension | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | Oxford Conservation Area, West London

forresterarchitects has recently completed a design feasibility study for a property in Ladbroke Grove, West London. The client, who is a close neighbour to one forresterarchitects previous projects, Barlby, is seeking a rear extension for their property. The client’s father, who is a retired architect, had a clear vision for the project.

The proposed rear extension is a sleek and simple design, providing an alternative solution to the typical rear garden extension. The design is subtle and considered, blending seamlessly with the existing architecture of the property. Despite the proposal potential considered under Permitted Development Rights, planning permission is required due to the property’s location within the Oxford Conservation Area. The rear extension will feature a large open plan kitchen with full-width sliding doors, offering plenty of natural light and providing a seamless connection to the garden. The design also includes a dedicated silversmiths studio for the client, who works from home. A glazed roof-light runs the entire length of the side infill extension, allowing natural daylight to penetrate deep into the main body of the house. forresterarchitects expertise in working within conservation areas ensures that the proposed design meets all the necessary planning regulations while still providing a contemporary and functional living space for the client. forresterarchitects attention to detail and commitment to quality design is evident in every aspect of the proposed rear extension.

Overall, the proposed rear extension in Ladbroke Grove is an excellent example of forresterarchitects ability to blend contemporary design with traditional architecture, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. forresterarchitects attention to detail and expertise in working within conservation areas ensures that the proposed design meets all the necessary planning constraints while still providing a contemporary and functional living space for the client.

18
Mar

Buying a Victorian workshop for your new office space? Add two floors of apartments to fund the mixed-use redevelopment.

Posted by / Commercial

Mixed-Use | Architects for Islington | Clerkenwell, East Central London

Forrester Architects is a London-based architectural practice that has recently submitted a design feasibility study for a mixed-use development project in the bustling Soho district. The project aims to provide a new, dynamic headquarters for a media company looking to expand its business operations.

The proposed development will involve the refurbishment of an existing building to meet the media company’s growing needs, with the addition of two new private residential floors that will provide additional income to fund the project. forresterarchitects expertise in architectural design for mixed-use properties makes them well-suited to handle this project, which seeks to create a space that meets both commercial and residential needs. forresterarchitects specialise in designing mixed-use properties in Islington, Clerkenwell, and East Central London. Their experience in this field is evident in the proposed development, which takes into account the unique challenges of building in the densely populated and highly competitive Soho district. forresterarchitects design feasibility study is a testament to their commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and visually appealing, while also addressing the needs of their clients. The media company’s new headquarters will be a vibrant addition to the Soho district, providing much-needed space for business operations while also contributing to the local community by adding new residential units. The addition of private residential floors will not only provide additional income to fund the project but will also help to address the ongoing housing crisis in London.

Overall, Forrester Architects’ proposed development is a well-conceived and thoughtful response to the unique needs of a media company looking to establish a new headquarters in one of London’s most vibrant districts. Their expertise in designing mixed-use properties in Islington, Clerkenwell, and East Central London will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate the complexities of this exciting project.

14
Feb

A double height lounge created within a mews house refurbishment in the Eton Conservation Area.

Posted by / Interior Design

Mews House Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

forresterarchitects have submitted a design feasibility study for a mews house refurbishment in the Eton Conservation Area, Belsize Park in North West London.
 
The house is currently configured as an unremarkable two bedroom house. It is dated and has not been refurbished since it was originally built in the 1970’s. The bedrooms are long and badly proportioned. The window is mean and internally the natural daylighting is poor.
 
Each mews house was originally configured with an integral garage space next to the front door. Over time the planning department has allowed the removal of the garage space. All the other mews houses have over time converted their garage into a bedroom or lounge space to improve the layout of the house. The courtyard to the front of the Mews is now everyone’s preferred car parking space. This was our client’s initial need but there were other opportunities
 
The house is arranged over three floors. The kitchen as originally intended will remain on the ground floor. A small under stair WC will be removed to create an open floor plan layout between the new bedroom and kitchen. The kitchen will be re-planned to engage more directly with the small courtyard garden which enjoys a bright south facing aspect. A long established ivy covers the garden courtyard and provides a wonderful secret garden to the rear of the house. The lounge windows overlooking the garden are to be enlarged to take advantage of the fine views overlooking Primrose Hill.
 
The upper floors accommodate a lounge and the other two bedrooms. As part of the refurbishment, each bedroom is re-planned with an ensuite. The small lounge is improved by a double height lounge space with the structural rafters of the roof exposed. The timber rafters compliment a new feature staircase which rises within the double height space. A bespoke timber screen offers varying levels of privacy between the bedroom and lounge.

01
Dec

A new artist studio in the Belsize Park Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Artist Studio Extension | Architects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

forresterarchitects have submitted a design feasibility proposal for an artist’s garden studio extension in the Belsize Conservation Area, Camden. The proposed design approach is inspired by the traditional garden pergola and aims to provide a modern architectural solution that blends seamlessly with the character of the site and its surrounding environment.

The proposed extension is designed as an accordion-like structure that expresses the client’s requirements and creates a visual dialogue between the studio and the garden. The orientation of the new structure is north/south, enhancing its interaction with the environment and respecting the site’s character. The proposed design aims to be discreet yet expressive, contributing to the existing building’s character without dominating it. The design proposal explores the traditional garden pergola’s qualities and reinterprets them in a modern architectural language, creating an elegant structure that expresses its function and provides a space for artistic inspiration. The project’s objective is to create an artist’s studio that integrates into the natural surroundings of the garden and the character of the conservation area. The proposal is submitted for design feasibility, aiming to explore the possibilities of creating a discreet extension that contributes to the site’s character. The proposed design is an innovative approach that provides a unique space for artistic creativity while respecting the site’s historical context.

By exploring the traditional garden pergola’s qualities and reinterpreting them in a modern architectural language, the proposed extension creates an elegant and functional space for artistic inspiration. The proposal respects the site’s historical context and aims to be discreet while contributing to the existing building’s character.

18
Nov

A new extension to a house in the Barnsbury Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Refurbishment & Extension | Architects for Islington | Barnsbury Conservation Area, North London

forresterarchitects has received planning approval for a refurbishment and extension project in the Barnsbury Conservation Area of Islington. The modern house, which is purpose-built and located within the area, will undergo a modest design proposal to add a rear garden extension and roof dormer. The proposed design will provide a large open plan ground floor and a spacious bedroom on the roof. The extension will be clad in copper, which complements the red brick and tile of the surrounding environment.

The Barnsbury Conservation Area is known for its historic architecture, and purpose-built houses in the area are not often added to. forresterarchitects’ design proposal was carefully crafted to satisfy the planning and building control regulations and respect the neighborhood’s character. The approval of this project highlights forresterarchitects ability to create thoughtful designs that are both functional and visually appealing.

The addition of a large open plan ground floor and spacious bedroom on the roof will provide the homeowner with more living space while still respecting the area’s regulations. The use of copper as the extension’s cladding adds a modern twist to the historic environment. forresterarchitects’ attention to detail and understanding of the local area’s regulations are key factors in this successful planning application.

21
Oct

Stay tidy. A bachelor pad with extensive bespoke joinery solutions.

Posted by / Interior Design

House Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Primrose Hill, North West London

forresterarchitects recently conducted a design feasibility study for the refurbishment of a duplex apartment in Primrose Hill, North West London. The apartment is situated within a modern purpose-built development, located in a fashionable area of North London. In order to create more space, the design incorporates clever storage interventions to the lack of space within the apartment.

The client, a bachelor, had specific requirements for the refurbishment project, including the need to keep the apartment tidy. To achieve this, forresterarchitects employed bespoke storage solutions throughout the design, creating living wall solutions to maximize the use of space. The apartment’s layout was kept simple, and sliding doors were installed to avoid taking up valuable space while also providing an open plan feel when left open. By working closely with the client and considering their specific needs, forresterarchitects were able to provide a design that met their requirements and maximized the available space. The use of bespoke storage solutions throughout the apartment allows for efficient use of space, while the sliding doors provide a flexible living area that can be adapted to suit the client’s needs. This refurbishment not only provides additional living space but also adds a contemporary touch to the design, bringing the apartment up to date and making it more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

By employing bespoke storage solutions and incorporating a dynamic rear extension, forresterarchitects have maximised the available space and provided a modern and flexible living area that meets the client’s specific requirements.

01
Sep

A design feasibility study for a twin townhouse in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area.

Posted by / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Twin Townhouse Refurbishment | Architects for Camden | Bloomsbury, West Central London

forresterarchitects have submitted a design feasibility proposal for the refurbishment of twin townhouses located off Oxford Street in Bloomsbury, West Central London. The proposed works aim to re-establish the internal hierarchy of a late Victorian house, which is not realizing its full potential in the modern family lifestyle. The design approach aims to retain the formal reception rooms on the ground and first floors while the bedrooms will be located on the upper floors. The kitchen and dining rooms will be retained on the lower ground floor, and both properties will be rewired with new plumbing throughout.

The proposed refurbishment aims to bring new life to the twin townhouses, creating a layout that is better suited to the way modern families live. The retained formal reception rooms on the ground and first floors will provide a perfect space for family activities and entertaining guests, while the upper floors will offer private spaces for rest and relaxation. The lower ground floor will house the kitchen and dining area, providing a perfect space for family gatherings and meals. The design proposal will require the installation of new plumbing and rewiring of both properties. These upgrades will ensure that the modern family has access to all the amenities they need. The proposal also aims to respect the historic character of the properties while providing a modern layout.

Overall, the design feasibility proposal for the twin townhouse refurbishments off Oxford Street in Bloomsbury, West Central London, is an innovative approach that aims to bring new life to a traditional layout.

 

17
Aug

A house refurbishment with new basement floor in Stoke Newington.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

House Refurbishment with Basement | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, North London

A large Victorian house refurbishment and basement extension in Stoke Newington, North London is substantial house refurbishment. The house has not been refurbished since its purchase by the clients, ten years previous.  During this period the house suffered from student occupation and was tired. Not far from our other local new-build project in Stoke Newington

The upper floors were bowed and only one bathroom served a four bedroom house. A full house refurbishment was proposed with the requirement of a full-width rear extension. A low engineered basement solution was added as a cost effective solution basement extension to avoid underpinning. The new basement space provides a viable solution to the client’s storage and utility requirements. A projecting window seat was a key feature to the rear extension design proposal. A fully glazed roof-light provided a bright modern kitchen overlooking a modest garden. A large garden pond provides a new focal point to the garden. 

To the upper floor the large bedroom proportions are retained intact. A guest shower-room to the top floor landing provided a simple design solution without compromising the top bedrooms. A muted palette provided the most suitable background for the client’s extensive art collection.

01
Jul

Not the only way…a house refurbishment in Essex.

Posted by / House Refurbishment

Semi-Detached Refurbishment and Rear Extension | Architects for Havering | Hornchurch, Essex

forresterarchitects is currently in the final stages of a semi-detached house refurbishment in Hornchurch, Essex. The redesign centers on a new stairwell that has been repositioned to serve a new floor added to the top of the house. The energy efficiency of the house has been improved, replacing all single-glazed windows with new double-glazed units, and adding wall insulation to the exterior facade to keep heat inside. Every room has been reconfigured to create a more efficient floor plan. Additionally, a larger than normal rear extension has been added to provide an open-plan arrangement throughout the ground floor.

The refurbishment has greatly improved the functionality of the house, with a carefully planned layout and the addition of the new floor. The new stairwell and floor addition have also added a sense of spaciousness and light to the interior. The house is now much more energy-efficient with the added insulation and double-glazed windows, which will save the owners money on their heating bills. The larger rear extension has created an open plan space on the ground floor, providing a modern and functional living space for the owners. This space is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. The extension has also enhanced the exterior of the house, with a contemporary design that seamlessly blends with the original architecture.

Overall, the refurbishment and rear extension have significantly enhanced the value and functionality of the house. forresterarchitects attention to detail and careful planning have resulted in a beautiful and functional home that is now more energy-efficient and enjoyable for the owners.

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Project Type:

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