Tag: Hackney

11
Jun

Mezzanine in a Double Height Extension in fashionable North London

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment

Mezzanine in a Double Height Extension | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

Our latest project is an exciting townhouse refurbishment in Stoke Newington. A feature mezzanine overlooks a newly created double-height space to the existing rear extension. Keen to stay in the area we decided to invest in an ambitious townhouse refurbishment and avoid the cost of relocating.  This ambitious project removes the first floor bedroom and bathroom to create a dynamic new living environment. The house is transformed.

The original house has a perfect aspect but  over heating challenges need to be addressed without losing natural daylight. The refurbishment provides a perfect opportunity to address the issues. With the ever increased energy costs there was an opportunity to reconsider the thermal efficiency of the house as a whole.

Our client is passionate about sustainability and eager to make their home as energy-efficient as possible. The new double height extension will be a a spacious, open-plan lower ground floor, with a dynamic dual aspect to the front and back and designed to be bright and airy. This holistic approach to thermal efficiency and sustainable living coupled with considered design sets a benchmark for future refurbishments.

 

28
May

Your response to the energy crisis is requested-ASHP

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design

London Townhouse powered by an Air Source Heat Pump | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

An ambitious townhouse refurbishment has reconfigured the conventional London townhouse hierarchy for modern living and incorporating an Air Source Heat Pump for a sustainable future. 

The London townhouse has some issues with its thermal performance, and with the client we were determined to address them through this refurbishment. As energy costs continue to rise, the project is an opportunity to reevaluate the house’s thermal efficiency and steer clear of relying on a gas combination boiler. 

Ensuring a sustainable future is of utmost importance to them, so they’re keen on making their house as energy efficient as possible. The focal point of their day to day life will be a spacious open plan lower ground floor. It will provide a bright and airy environment, centred around the kitchen, lounge and dining room extension.

To create this wonderful space, the kitchen is located centrally in a stunning double-height area, achieved by removing part of the raised ground floor. A new mezzanine leads to a unique metal staircase leading down to the new bespoke Danish made kitchen units, dining room, and extension. The new rear extension is constructed with highly insulated timber framed construction. A distinctive pyramidal shape provide a visual interesting roof that leads to a large glazed top light, allowing unobstructed views of the sky. Beyond the new extension, a new garden studio provides a dedicated workspace. It utilises the same highly insulated timber framed construction as the extension, ensuring energy efficiency is maintained throughout all the new elements of the home.

To the top floor the existing roof has been completely rebuilt with a new rear dormer conversion, improving the insulation of both the roof and walls to the highest standards while preserving the floor space. Each bedroom is equipped with custom-made wardrobes that cleverly utilise the generous roof void space.  To reduce their reliance on electricity, solar PV panels have been mounted on the large dormer roof conversion. These panels contribute to the sustainable energy strategy and lessen the environmental impact of the house as a whole.

11
Mar

Timber framed awning to form roof terrace to Dalston Lane

Posted by / Commercial, Extensions & Conversions

Timber Framed Roof Terrace | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

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).

11
Jan

A London loft is revitalised with a North facing skylight

Posted by / House Refurbishment, Interior Design

London Loft | Architects for Finsbury | forrester architects

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.

27
Nov

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

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design

Refurbishment with Air Source Heat Pump | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

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.

20
Feb

Large format hand made clay tile proposed for a North London rear extension.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment

Danish clay tile extension | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects

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.

10
Jan

A new house forms a new book-end development to a Clapton terrace.

Posted by / New Build

Book-end House | Architects for Hackney | Clapton, Hackney

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.

14
May

A stepped extension and garden studio to the rear of a townhouse in Hackney.

Posted by / New Build

Extension Garden Studio | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects.

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.

 

02
Mar

Our ‘butterfly’ roof is featured in Dezeen.

Posted by / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design

Save The London Roof | Architects for Hackney | Stoke Newington, Hackney

The London butterfly roof is fast disappearing! As people don’t move and improve their homes, converting the roof space no longer protects the distinct parapet roofline. Keen to avoid the mundane lean-to extension, the new rear extension is a modern interpretation of the traditional London Roof form.
 
 
The roof provides an enlivened architectural language to the rear gardens of this mid-terraced house in North London. The ‘butterfly’ roof is expressed as exposed timber rafters. It provides a dynamic architectural feature and natural warmth to the living room. The original ceiling height was too low for a living room so it was necessary to excavate to create a more generous room volume. The new living floor level has been reduced to provide a ceiling height more in keeping with the rest of the house.
 
A new wood-burning stove provides a focal point to the living room. A new library wall which hangs from the timber rafters occupies one side of the living room. In the evening the lighting is subtle and located with indirect spotlights and avoids the need for pendant lights hanging in the room.
 
As part of the refurbishment works the entire ground floor has been reconfigured. The kitchen has moved from the back of the house and has been relocated between the new living room and the dining room. The kitchen avoids high-level cupboards with two long counters providing an extensive work surfaces area to each side. The dining room has moved to the bay fronted room overlooking the street. The dining room retains many of the traditional decorative features expected of a Victorian terrace house. The colour scheme is bold and is complimented by the addition of a modern 1950’s furniture and light fittings. The dining room is now orientated for breakfast with the sun rising from the East. To the West, a large hexagonal glass window frames views of the small garden for the setting sun in the evening.
27
Dec

In through the outdoor.

Posted by / Commercial

School Library | Architects for Hackney | Clissold Road, Stoke Newington

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.

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Project Type:

New Build Commercial Interior Design Extensions & Conversions House Refurbishment Listed Buildings & Conservation