Tag: Hackney

27
Aug

Our latest project is featured in designboom

designboom feature | Architects for London | forrester architects

Pleased to share that our latest full-house refurbishment of a London townhouse in Stoke Newington is now featured in designboom! Powered by an Air Source Heat Pump, the project focuses on maximising energy efficiency and natural daylight, with bold design elements like a stunning double-height space and vibrant turquoise steel-clad extension.
Check out the full feature on designboom!
11
Jun

Mezzanine to a double height extension in fashionable North London

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

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

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.

 

11
Mar

Timber framed awning to form roof terrace to Dalston Lane

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 London roof is featured in Dezeen.

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

The London butterfly roof is disappearing as more homeowners extend upward, altering the distinct parapet roofline. This project reinterprets the traditional London roof, avoiding a standard lean-to extension.

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.