THE BLOG

01
Dec

Our second project on one of London’s finest streets.

Interior Refurbishment | Architects for Belsize Park

This mansion block on Eton Avenue has a strong architectural character, with its fine red brick, terracotta detailing and distinctive shaped gables. The refurbishment takes a considered approach to the existing building, retaining the qualities that give the property its sense of place while creating a lighter and more contemporary interior.

The internal layout has been reconfigured to improve the way the rooms connect and are used. The kitchen has been redesigned and is now accessed directly from the main living room, creating a more open relationship between the two spaces. New full-height sliding doors bring greater natural light into the interior and strengthen the connection between the spaces.

A dedicated study provides a dedicated workspace, while the bathrooms have been completely renewed with a simple, restrained approach to materials and detailing. Throughout the apartment, a bright and pared-back palette allows the architectural proportions and natural light to take precedence.

A new timber floor runs through the principal spaces, providing warmth and continuity to the interior. The combination of natural timber, light finishes and carefully considered detailing enhances the character of the original mansion block.

 

27
Nov

A little light relief to a double height gallery space in a London townhouse

Refurbishment with Air Source Heat Pump | Architects for Hackney

A little light relief. A glimpse of the ceiling to a double height gallery space to a London townhouse is part of our latest full house refurbishment. An Air Source Heat Pump has replaced the gas boiler and dormer mounted solar panels contribute to the client’s responsive and sustainable energy solution. A very welcome government grant of £7,500 is in the post.

30
Aug

Not! Another Side Extension.

Landscaped Garden Room | Architects for Islington

Our No Side Extension left such an impression on one of our neighbours that they decided to follow suit. Remaining distinctive, a full-width rear extension is avoided in Archway. The main objective remained: forge a stronger connection to the garden and capitalise on the expansive sky views afforded by the elongated rear gardens. A thoughtfully landscaped garden now serves as a visual link from the kitchen space.

The addition of a new bay window allows for carefully framed views of the garden and its surroundings. The proposition not only preserves the character of the existing building but also crafts a one-of-a-kind design solution that bridges the interior and exterior space. The delicate balance between transparency and privacy ensures that the space is not only bright and airy but also highly functional.

forresterarchitects have not just met the client’s needs but also elevated the distinctive character of the original building. The outcome is a space that harmoniously combines functionality and form.

31
Oct

An inclined timber extension informed by the client’s style

Inclined Timber Extension | Architects for Newham

An inclined exposed timber roof structure informs the interior and extends outside to form a garden pergola extension to the South-facing terrace in East Ham. As well as providing a passive solar shading device to the interior the rafters create a wonderful shaded terrace overlooking the garden. A slight offset to the rafter lines informs the pergola orientation to shade the interior from the sun path, which align with the wide boarded engineered timber floorboards to provide a visually interesting interior.

 

30
Sep

An open fire box provides a new hearth to a Southwark townhouse

Grade II Refurbishment | Architects for Southwark 

forresterarchitects recently completed a full refurbishment of a Grade II listed townhouse located in the West Square Conservation Area in South East London. The project included an interesting addition to the dining room, where the traditional fire and hearth were replaced with an open flame rotisserie.

The refurbishment aimed to retain the original charm and character of the townhouse, while enhancing the kitchen and dining space located on the lower ground floor. This area was limited in natural daylight, so forresterarchitects had to carefully consider the materials used and the placement of features to make the most of reflected light. The addition of the open flame rotisserie to the dining room created an informal and entertaining heart of the house. The new kitchen and dining space were designed to be more appropriate for modern living, as many townhouse kitchens are too small or poorly configured. forresterarchitects took a considered approach to material choice, selecting materials that would complement the existing features of the townhouse while contributing to the desired atmosphere of the space. The result is a tasteful and practical design that maintains the townhouse’s original character while improving its functionality.

The project retains the original charm and character of the property, while enhancing the kitchen and dining space to create an inviting and functional heart of the house. Thoughtful material selection and attention to detail has resulted in a practical and beautiful space that will be enjoyed for years to come.