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.
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.