Tag: Camden

16
Mar

A secret cottage in the garden.

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

A cottage mezzanine has been added to the garden cottage. Our client has a house in Highgate that comes with a cottage situated in the garden. Despite its unique features, the cottage has remained underutilised, 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