THE BLOG

11
Aug

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

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.

16
Jul

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.