This ambitious London townhouse reconfigurationt redefines the traditional London townhouse layout for modern living, integrating an Air Source Heat Pump for sustainability.With rising energy costs, improving thermal efficiency was a priority. The project eliminates reliance on a gas boiler, enhancing insulation and overall energy performance.
At the heart of daily life will be a spacious, open-plan lower ground floor. Designed for light and space, it centres around the Danish made kitchen units, lounge, and dining area. The kitchen sits in a striking double-height space, created by removing part of the raised ground floor. A new mezzanine connects to a metal staircase leading to bespoke Danish-made kitchen units, the dining area, and the extension. The highly insulated timber-framed rear extension features a distinctive pyramidal roof with a large glazed top light, offering uninterrupted sky views. Beyond it, a new garden studio provides a dedicated workspace, mirroring the extension’s insulation for consistent energy efficiency.
On the top floor, a full roof rebuild includes a rear dormer conversion, maximizing insulation while preserving floor space. Custom-made wardrobes make use of generous roof voids in each bedroom. To cut electricity use, solar PV panels on the dormer roof support a sustainable energy strategy, reducing the home’s overall environmental impact.
A new timber framed roof terrace will provide a new vibrant and functioning commercial venture to the rear of the existing warehouse building. There is a desire to introduce an external roof terrace space to allow fresh air and daylight into the large landlocked building. Securing a successful planning approval for the elaborate roof terrace structure and awning will provide the motivation to invest and reinstate new state of the art recording studios. This in return will foster increased local employment and sustain Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment facilities within the local area.
A south facing roof-space offers a perfect location and orientation for a roof terrace structure. To improve the overall visual appearance of the roofscape a sedum garden roof will extend along the length of the building. In addition, a series of beehives will be introduced which will contribute to a balance between nature and the continued light industrial use of the building.
A bank of solar panels will be introduced to contribute to the client’s responsive and sustainable environmental strategy which already involves the use of a newly installed Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP).
Forrester architects have breathed new life into a London duplex loft in North London with the addition of a north-facing skylight. This new aspect the bedroom floods the room with natural light. The new skylight not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the loft but also creates a sense of openness and airiness. The loft is perfectly located for easy access to the rail and tube network. The refurbishment aims to revitalise the property and realise its full potential. Acoustic floor separation will be added and extensive under-eaves storage spaces will be fully utilised. A simple palette will be adopted to reflect light and avoid clutter and provide a luminous and inviting sanctuary in the heart of the city.
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.
A rear extension to North London has been designed to respond directly to its immediate context. The full house refurbishment and rear extension has been configured as one distinct volume and is expressed in a clay-tile cladding. The large format Danish clay tile, as a traditional hand made material, is contextually sympathetic to the palette of the materials to adjacent townhouse rear garden. The roof form is configured to take advantage of the unrestricted southwest facing aspect. Under the roof, a double height volume allows the warm air to rise naturally to the highest point of the roof space and then circulate to maintain a consistent room temperature. To the rear the kitchen is the main focal point to the house, the garden and a modest garden studio provided as a home working space.
forresterarchitects has been working on an exciting project in Clapton, Hackney, for a one-bedroom house with limited potential for development. The rear outrigger extension was sold as a one-bedroom house, but it has limited scope for development unless an additional floor is added. However, the house is a book-end property, and forresterarchitects see this as an opportunity to realise the full potential of the freehold plot.
The existing roof space volume will provide the additional floor space required to achieve a new two/three bedroom house, which will significantly increase the property’s value. forresterarchitects have carefully considered the design of the extension to ensure that it complements the existing property’s style and character. The project presents an exciting opportunity for forresterarchitects to create a beautiful, functional, and modern living space that maximises the available floor area. The new two/three bedroom house will provide ample space for a growing family and add value to the property. forresterarchitects have taken into account various design considerations, such as the layout, materials, and lighting, to ensure that the extension is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional. The new extension will provide plenty of natural light and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
The project presents a unique opportunity to realise the full potential of the freehold plot and create a beautiful, functional, and modern living space. forresterarchitects have carefully considered various design considerations to ensure that the extension complements the existing property’s style and character while providing ample space for a growing family.
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.
Featured in Dezeen, the butterfly roof adds architectural character to this North London terrace. Exposed timber rafters create a striking feature, bringing warmth to the living room. To enhance ceiling height, the floor was excavated, aligning the space with the rest of the house. A wood-burning stove serves as the room’s focal point, while a suspended library wall adds character. Subtle, indirect lighting eliminates the need for pendant lights.
The ground floor has been fully reconfigured. The kitchen, now between the living and dining rooms, forgoes high-level cupboards in favour of two long counters for extensive workspace. The bay-fronted dining room retains its Victorian charm, enriched with bold colors, 1950s furniture, and period lighting. Positioned for morning light from the east, it contrasts with the west-facing hexagonal window, which frames sunset views over the garden.
forresterarchitects has been working on design feasibility proposals for Betty Layward School in North London, specifically regarding the improvement of the school’s library located on Clissold Road, Stoke Newington. While progress has been made in regards to the library’s content, there is an issue with external circulation. The entrance to the school is situated between two townhouses, making it difficult for parents and children to drop off in the morning due to restricted width, leading to bottlenecking at the entrance. In response, alternative strategies are being implemented, such as a large loop around the perimeter of the school to provide some relief. However, this requires entering the school through the car park and exiting through the front gate. While this circular route does alleviate the feeling of swimming against the tide of parents when leaving the school, further strategies are being explored to improve external circulation.
Despite these circulation issues, the library has been well-received by the students and is in high demand, with books flying off the shelves. forresterarchitects have focused on creating a functional and attractive space for the students to learn and explore literature, as well as incorporating modern design elements to enhance the library’s overall aesthetic appeal. The library’s design reflects the school’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inspiring learning environment for its students.
Overall, forresterarchitects is dedicated to working with Betty Layward School to ensure that its facilities meet the needs of its students and staff, while also contributing positively to the surrounding community in Hackney. The proposed improvements to the school, including the library and external circulation, are just one step in this ongoing partnership.
forresterarchitects has designed four new-build houses in Stoke Newington, North London, on a previously unused brownfield site. The project was developed using simple brick constructions with oversized windows that give each of the new-build homes a bright, spacious feel. Each of the four houses is interlocking and features double-height living rooms with framed views of the surrounding area. The upper floors are light-filled and spacious, with plenty of natural light, while the open-plan kitchens offer direct access to private external terraces located between each house.
forresterarchitects have paid close attention to the layout and design of each property, ensuring that they maximise the available space and provide plenty of natural light. The new-build homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind and incorporate sustainable technologies where possible. The use of oversized windows helps to provide passive solar heating and cooling, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems. In addition, the terraces between each house provide a buffer zone, helping to reduce noise and provide a private outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
forresterarchitects worked closely with the local council to ensure that the new-build homes fit seamlessly into the surrounding environment. The new-build homes are designed to blend in with the existing street scene and are sympathetic to the local context. The project provides much-needed new-build homes for the area, while also demonstrating how brownfield sites can be developed sustainably to create high-quality, energy-efficient housing.
forresterarchitects has recently submitted a planning application for the refurbishment and extension of a Victorian terraced house located in the De Beaviour Conservation Area of North London. The upper floors of the house are spacious and filled with natural light, but the lower ground floor, due to its North facing aspect, lacks brightness. The clients have expressed their desire for a brighter and well-equipped kitchen and a bedroom that connects more to the garden.
To address this,forresterarchitects have proposed a new stepped rear extension that will offer framed views of the garden from the kitchen and stairwell corridor, creating a bright and day-lit environment. A double-height glazed roof-light space is also planned for the dining area, with the aim of providing as much natural light as possible to the back of the house. The existing roof terrace will be retained, serving as an ideal location for afternoon gatherings and evening drinks. The house is currently configured as a three-bedroom private dwelling, but the proposal provides a fourth bedroom for guests with an extra wet-room shower room. The key to the proposed configuration is the retention of the roof terrace, which will ensure the house retains its charm and character while adding a contemporary twist to the lower ground floor.
The design takes into consideration the conservation area’s character and provides a solution that respects and contributes to the surrounding environment. The glazed extension’s massing ensures it does not become an overbearing feature but rather blends into the existing fabric of the building. The proposed extension and refurbishment will create a modern and functional living space that meets the client’s needs while maintaining the house’s original charm.
A school in Stoke Newington recently lost its library to the IT room, but the new Head Teacher plans to change that and has enlisted the help of forresterarchitects to re-establish the library for the children to enjoy and focus on reading. A design feasibility proposal has been approved, and the library works will take place over the Easter half-term. The project involves starting from scratch, with only the four walls of the classroom remaining.
To keep up with evolving technologies, the library will feature a mixture of paper and electronic media, and bespoke furniture will be arranged to create three informal reading zones with easy access to bookshelves. The bookshelves will be accessible to all ages, and can be moved aside when needed to allow for a large seating area focused on a whiteboard. The goal is to provide a library that reflects the school ethos of inspiring, developing, and nurturing every child to have the confidence to learn. The project is a departure from the recent trend of schools focusing on technology and digital media over physical books, and aims to promote a love of reading among the students. The design is intended to create a welcoming and comfortable environment that encourages students to spend time in the library and develop a passion for books.
The project is a collaborative effort between the school and forresterarchitects, who have expertise in designing spaces for education. The library will be an important resource for the school and the community, providing a space for learning and fostering a love of reading in the next generation.
forresterarchitects have completed a full house refurbishment to a fine Victorian terraced house in Stoke Newington. The house had not been decorated for many years and a refurbishment was well overdue. A new non-conformist rear extension was proposed. A modern interpretation of the London Roof provides the extension with a unique language for the house. The roof structure is expressed as exposed timber joist with a plywood ceiling which adds a simple but natural warmth to the interior. A full architectural service was provided from inception through to contract administration and completion.
The roof construction avoids a traditional cold roof construction of slate tile and rafter. Instead a single ply polymeric roof membrane provides a lightweight well-insulated alternative. A large hexagonal glass window frames views of the small urban garden from the living room.
As part of the reconfiguration works the kitchen has been moved into the middle of the house. A new open plan galley kitchen provides a connection between the lounge and the dining room which has moved to the front bay windowed room. The dining room is now orientated for the early morning sun-rise to the East and perfect for breakfast. Other works to the house involve the conversion of the original roof space to provide a traditional loft conversion. This adds a new floor of accommodation for guests. A wet-room shower room has been located on the top floor landing to avoid losing any bedroom space. The house was configured as a three bedroom house now provides five bedrooms. As part of the refurbishments works the entire house has been rewired with new plumbing throughout. Each room has been provided with hard-wired CAT 5 data connectivity.
A large Victorian house refurbishment and basement extension in Stoke Newington, North London is substantial house refurbishment. The house has not been refurbished since its purchase by the clients, ten years previous. During this period the house suffered from student occupation and was tired. Not far from our other local new-build project in Stoke Newington
The upper floors were bowed and only one bathroom served a four bedroom house. A full house refurbishment was proposed with the requirement of a full-width rear extension. A low engineered basement solution was added as a cost effective solution basement extension to avoid underpinning. The new basement space provides a viable solution to the client’s storage and utility requirements. A projecting window seat was a key feature to the rear extension design proposal. A fully glazed roof-light provided a bright modern kitchen overlooking a modest garden. A large garden pond provides a new focal point to the garden.
To the upper floor the large bedroom proportions are retained intact. A guest shower-room to the top floor landing provided a simple design solution without compromising the top bedrooms. A muted palette provided the most suitable background for the client’s extensive art collection.
forresterarchitects recently succeeded in overturning a decision by the local planning department to refuse a rear extension development in North London. The development was proposed for a unique warehouse conversion that required additional space to reach its full potential. The design proposed a modest extension that blended seamlessly with the existing Victorian warehouse property. However, the planning submission was deemed overbearing and inappropriate in its local context, resulting in the planning department’s refusal.
To proceed with the development, a planning appeal was lodged by forresterarchitects, which demonstrated how the development was in full compliance with current planning policy. Following an inspection by the Planning Inspectorate, the appeal was successful, and full planning permission was subsequently granted, much to the client’s delight. forresterarchitects have extensive experience with planning appeals, and their successful track record demonstrates their ability to navigate the often complex and challenging planning process. forresterarchitects worked closely with clients to ensure that their vision is realised while meeting planning requirements and regulations. This particular project showcases forresterarchitects ability to design extensions that blend seamlessly with existing properties while meeting planning requirements. By proposing a modest extension that harmoniously complemented the warehouse conversion’s character, the team demonstrated their commitment to preserving and enhancing the local built environment.
In summary, forresterarchitects success in this planning appeal highlights their expertise in navigating the planning process and their commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet both client and regulatory requirements.
forresterarchitects have recently completed a garden studio project in Stoke Newington, North London under permitted development rights. The studio was built for a former client and was designed to be a bright and airy space that also doubles as a terrace in the evenings. It was built as a sculpted form, with one carved feature stone wall, and serves as a stonemason’s studio during the day.
The studio is a stunning addition to the garden and was secured under permitted development rights. This means that the project was approved without the need for a planning application, making the process faster and more efficient. The use of permitted development rights allowed the client to save time and money while still achieving their desired outcome. In the evenings, the studio transforms into a terrace that provides an ideal location for catching the late evening sun and enjoying a gin and tonic. The bright and airy design of the studio creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Overall, the garden studio project in Stoke Newington is a beautiful example of how forresterarchitects have used permitted development rights to create stunning and functional spaces that meet the needs of their clients. The sculpted form and carved feature stone wall are unique and eye-catching, while the versatility of the space as both a studio and a terrace makes it a practical addition to any garden.
forresterarchitects have recently finished a contemporary roof conversion project for a mid-terrace Victorian house in Stoke Newington, North London. The family who own the house were in need of an additional bedroom and shower-room as their family continued to grow, and so they turned to forresterarchitects to help with the transformation.
The architects decided to extend the living space by creating a new master bedroom and shower-room in the roof-space, which required careful planning and attention to detail. They were able to create a stunning modern interior that is predominantly white in colour, with colourful accents that add a touch of personality and character to the space. One of the most striking features of the new roof conversion is the sliding oval roof-light, which allows natural light to flood the interior and animates the space throughout the day as the sun passes overhead. The roof-light also offers unrestricted views of the city, making it the perfect spot for stargazing late into the evening.
Overall, the project is a testament to forresterarchitects’ ability to balance contemporary design with the historic charm of a Victorian terrace house. The new roof conversion has added value to the property and provided the growing family with the extra space they needed, while also creating a beautiful and unique living space that they can enjoy for years to come.