Tag: Camden

16
Mar

A secret cottage in the garden.

Cottage Mezzanine  | Architects for Camden | Highgate, North West London

Our client has a house in Highgate that comes with a cottage situated in the garden. Despite its unique features, the cottage has remained underutilized, and the clients have decided to upgrade it into a standalone accommodation for their in-laws. Additionally, the space will provide a study area for the client’s daughters and their friends, and can be used as a party venue following dinner parties or for watching films.

To achieve this, forresterarchitects plan to enliven the cottage mezzanine by orientating it to run the length of the cottage, ensuring it remains a visual connection to the ground floor. This will provide a dedicated study area with extra bedroom space. To increase the flexibility of the space, clever joinery will be incorporated to conceal the bed when not in use. The renovated cottage mezzanine will serve as a multifunctional space that can accommodate the in-laws when they visit, and also provide a study area for the children. The clients can also use it as a venue for parties or for watching films, thereby utilizing the space to its full potential. The incorporation of clever joinery will ensure that the space can be transformed seamlessly from a bedroom to a study area or party venue, providing maximum flexibility for the clients.

Overall, the refurbishment of the cottage mezzanine will provide the clients with a versatile space that can be utilised in various ways. forresterarchitects have planned the renovation carefully, taking into consideration the need for flexibility and the unique features of the cottage. The result will be a modern, functional space that will enhance the clients’ living experience.

02
Feb

No kitchen extension is just an island.

Kitchen Extension | Architects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

For a kitchen extension in Belsize Park, North West London, forresterarchitects have taken a unique approach to create a new form that respects its garden setting. Instead of a typical full-width extension, a series of angled facets have been explored to define the new kitchen space. The facets not only create an original form but also provide a subdivision of the kitchen into preparation, washing, and breakfast areas.

The aim of the design is to respond to and respect the sensitive garden setting in terms of material, language, form, and construction. The inclined form rises towards the garden to provide a natural shading device from the sun, while dropping to the rear against the adjacent extension. The new outrigger extension replaces the original kitchen extension and provides a fresh new look. The design explores a unique form that avoids the typical flat or full-width extension, which can sometimes appear uninspired. Instead, the facets create a sense of dynamism and visual interest. They also define the various functions of the kitchen, making it a highly functional space that responds to the needs of the occupants. forresterarchitects have carefully considered the materials and construction of the extension to ensure it is in keeping with the existing property and its garden setting. The design will respect and respond to the garden, creating a harmonious connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Overall, forresterarchitects have taken a thoughtful and creative approach to this kitchen extension in Belsize Park. By exploring a unique form, subdividing the kitchen, and carefully considering the materials and construction, they have created a space that is highly functional, visually interesting, and respectful of its setting.

02
Jan

Double-height maisonette in the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area.

Double-Height Maisonette | Architects for Camden | Dartmouth Park Road, North West London

forresterarchitects are working on the complete reconfiguration of a two-bedroom double-height maisonette on Dartmouth Park Road in North West London. The maisonette currently has a fine South facing aspect. However, the internal layout is to be entirely reconfigured to create an open plan double-height space with the main living rooms moved to the rear of the property. This will provide better connectivity with the rear garden and make the maisonette feel more like a new house.

Two additional bedrooms will be relocated to the rear of the property. The redesign will create an open and airy space with natural light flooding in from the rear garden. The new living space will be perfect for entertaining and relaxing. The redesign will also improve the functionality of the space, making it more practical for modern living. The redesign of the double-height maisonette will provide a much-improved living environment for the clients. The reconfiguration will allow for a better use of space, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere. The new design will also bring the living areas closer to the rear garden, providing an improved connection to nature.

forresterarchitects are known for their innovative designs that combine functionality with style. The redesign of this maisonette is no exception. With their attention to detail and their understanding of the needs of modern living, the new design promises to create a unique and practical living space. The project is currently in the planning stages, and work is expected to begin soon.

28
Aug

Asymmetrically arranged windows overlook a mews house courtyard garden in Belsize Park.

Mews House RefurbishmentArchitects for Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

forresterarchitects has designed a mews house located in Belsize Park, North West London, with a beautiful garden courtyard adorned with a long-established ivy. The asymmetrical arrangement of the lounge windows at the rear facade of the house offers stunning views of the south-facing aspect overlooking Primrose Hill, which has been enlarged to maximise the view. forresterarchitects have cleverly designed a double-height living space to take advantage of the scenic view, and the enlarged windows allow natural daylight to permeate throughout the space, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The garden courtyard is a hidden gem and provides a tranquil oasis for the occupants to relax and unwind after a long day. The established ivy adds to the overall aesthetic and creates a beautiful backdrop for the garden. The garden is perfect for outdoor entertaining, and the double-height living space overlooking the garden provides the perfect indoor-outdoor flow.

forresterarchitects has incorporated the beautiful garden and south-facing aspect into the design of the mews house to create a unique living space. The lounge windows offer an unparalleled view of Primrose Hill, which changes throughout the day as the natural light shifts. The natural light adds a sense of warmth to the space and creates an inviting atmosphere. forresterarchitects have succeeded in creating a perfect balance between the interior and exterior spaces, providing a harmonious living experience for the residents.

 

24
Apr

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

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

forresterarchitects have recently completed the contract documentation for a rear extension and full house refurbishment project located in the Parkhill Conservation Area of Belsize Park, North West London. The new extension was designed to replace the original kitchen extension which was deemed inadequate for a semi-detached six-bedroom house. A unique and innovative approach was taken to provide a striking addition to the mature gardens of the area.

The new extension features a series of angled facets that provide a notional subdivision of the kitchen. These facets are explored and developed further to define the overall form of the extension, which rises towards the garden to provide a natural shading device. The preparation, washing, and breakfast areas are strategically placed to respond to the garden’s sensitive setting, creating a pleasant environment for the occupants. forresterarchitects provided a full architectural service from the project’s inception through to its completion, which included the remodelling of the master bedroom and bathroom, as well as refurbishing the other bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. Natural materials were used throughout the refurbishment to create a simple and elegant design that blends in well with the property’s original features. The new extension was designed to avoid the conventional and offer an alternative design solution to the rear garden extension, making it stand out from the surrounding properties. The inclined form of the extension is a defining feature that makes it a unique addition to the mature gardens of North West London.

The project has successfully achieved its objective of providing a larger and more functional kitchen extension while also enhancing the overall appearance of the property. The new extension and refurbished house have been well received by the client and are now ready for the contract phase

04
Jul

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

Maisonette Reconfigured | Architects for Camden | North West London

forresterarchitects has submitted a design feasibility report for the refurbishment of a desirable maisonette in Dartmouth Park, which forms part of an imposing end-of-terrace Victorian house in North West London. The property is bursting at the seams, and the client wants to reconfigure the internal layout without moving out.

The current configuration of the maisonette comprises two bedrooms with a south-facing aspect. However, the proposed plan aims to completely reconfigure the internal layout to realise the property’s full potential. The bedrooms will be relocated to the rear of the property, while the main living spaces will be moved to the rear. One of the key design features of the proposal is the creation of an open plan double height space that opens onto the rear garden. This design will bring in ample natural light and create a spacious, airy feel in the property. The new layout will allow the client to enjoy better use of space and make the most of the property’s potential. The property’s location in Dartmouth Park, North West London, makes it an ideal candidate for architectural projects. Forrester Architects’ design feasibility report demonstrates their commitment to creating modern living spaces while preserving the character of the building.

The proposed design aims to reconfigure the internal layout completely, with the creation of an open plan double height space that opens onto the rear garden as a key feature. The renovation is a perfect example of how modern living spaces can be created while preserving the character of a historic property in a desirable location.

14
Feb

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

Mews House RefurbishmentArchitects 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 aspectA 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.

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.

21
Oct

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

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.

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.