Category: Listed Buildings & Conservation

10
Mar

A double height basement extension to the Clapham Conservation Area.

Double Height Basement Extension | Architects for Clapham | forrester architects.

forresterarchitects, in collaboration with interior designer Callender Howorth, is currently undertaking a full refurbishment with double height basement to a house located in Clapham, South London. The property is undergoing extensive remodelling, including the addition of a new basement floor, a double-height rear extension, and a loft studio. The design approach aims to retain the traditional period features of the house while incorporating modern features for a contemporary living experience.

One of the key features of the new extension is the direct access it provides to the garden. The extension has been designed to be double-height, allowing for an abundance of natural light to flood the space. This new addition will create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for social gatherings and entertaining. In addition to the new extension, the top floor of the house is being reconfigured to provide a new loft studio. This space will provide a versatile area for a variety of uses, including an office, study, or additional bedroom. The existing garage will be reconfigured to provide a discreet side entrance, which is ideal for maintaining the privacy of the occupants. Despite being located in a difficult location, the project has received planning permission due to the innovative design approach taken by forresterarchitects. forresterarchitects has been able to incorporate modern features while preserving the traditional period features of the house, which is located only a short walk away from Clapham Common.

The end result of this project will be a unique, contemporary living space that combines the best of modern design with traditional features. The project demonstrates that with the right design approach, it is possible to achieve planning permission for a dream home even in challenging locations.

04
Feb

A new maisonette to the Kensington Conservation Area.

Maisonette Refurbishment | Architects for Kensington & Chelsea | forrester architects

forresterarchitects recently submitted a full planning application for a new extension to a maisonette in Campden Hill Gardens in Kensington & Chelsea. The extension is a two-storey structure that will provide a new kitchen on the raised ground floor and additional bedrooms on the lower ground floor. The design offers a modern architectural solution that respects and contributes to the immediate context of the area. The simple form of accommodation of the rear extension draws inspiration from the traditional brickwork fabric to the rear.

The extension provides increased floor space, allowing for the creation of ancillary space without compromising the existing floor plan. The arrangement of open-plan living spaces and more private bedrooms on the lower ground floor defines a simple hierarchy of spaces. The maisonette is accessed from the existing communal entrance at the raised ground level and aims to provide extra space beyond the current floor plan, overcoming the restrictions of the lower and raised ground floor. Each of the new bedrooms in the lower ground floor will have access to the rear garden terrace, providing daylight and natural ventilation. As part of the refurbishment, the existing facade will be refurbished while respecting the style and detailing of the original period property.

The proposal offers a modern approach while preserving the traditional aesthetic of the area. By carefully considering the limitations of the existing floor plan and providing additional space, the extension and refurbishment will result in a functional and aesthetically pleasing  rental investment

01
Aug

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

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.
29
Apr

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

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.

01
Dec

A new artist studio in the Belsize Park Conservation Area.

Artist Garden Studio | 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.