A Grange in Yorkshire with a sustainable future.

Posted by admin / Listed Buildings & Conservation

Sustainable Grange | Architects for Leyburn | Yorkshire Dales

The new owners are very excited by their find; an extensive refurbishment will be necessary to provide a sustainable Grange for the future. A traditional Grange and barn in Yorkshire has been neglected for many years. Its location and off grid status makes a sustainable heat strategy the most viable solution for the future. Set within remote farmland it will provide ground source heat as the most cost effective solution for a self-sufficiency. The house has some wonderful features with exposed timber beams, a stone tiled roof and half a metre thick solid walls all to be retained as original. The character of the house will be complimented by a full house refurbishment and insulating the property is a priority. The barn will be used by the boys as a bunk room and will function away from the house.

Yorkshire

13
May

Avoid the conventional and there is no Downside!

Posted by admin / Extensions & Conversions, House Refurbishment, Interior Design, Listed Buildings & Conservation

House Refurbishment | Architects in Camden | Belsize Park, North West London

The fine semi-detached Villa’s of Belsize Park, North West London is in a wonderful setting. Separated by only the small side passages between the houses. Only the neighbouring houses form a boundary to the gardens, which are long, wide and mature in foliage. This is the setting for our latest full house refurbishment. The client wanted the house to feel better connected to the garden.

An accordion arrangement is explored as a concept for the extension. A series of angled facets have been used to establish a notional hierarchy to the kitchen. Expressed as solid and void walls the facets provide a level of transparency and privacy between the house and garden. The staggered configuration of the extension creates framed views of the garden and a unique architectural solution. See four new build houses realised to an inner city brownfield site.

The innovative design avoids the usual full width house extension. The shift in geometry allows the extension to reveal a series of layered materials to reach out and touch the garden. All contained beneath the asymmetrical roof form. The roof is formed in timber and painted with a special Swedish preservative paint treatment. It produces a beautiful matt red finish. The roof projects beyond the building edge to provide a simple solar shading device to south facing aspect of the extension.

Camden

07
Apr

Not the only way to do a dormer conversion…

Posted by admin / Extensions & Conversions

Dormer Conversion | Architects for Essex | Hornchurch, Romford

forresterarchitects are nearing the end of the complete rebuilding of a semi-detached house in Hornchurch, Essex. An alternative design to a new dormer conversion complete with 6m extension and house refurbishment in the heart of Essex. The house has been planned around a new stairwell which has been repositioned to serve a new floor added to the top of the house. Every room has been reconfigured and the floor plan is now much more efficient. The energy efficiency of the house has been improved with new double glazed units replacing all single glazed windows. At 6m deep, a larger than normal extension has also been granted planning permission to the rear and provides an open plan arrangement. A full architectural service was provided from inception through to contract administration and completion.

Romford

16
Mar

A secret cottage in the garden.

Posted by admin / Interior Design

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.

Camden

02
Mar

Our London roof is featured in Dezeen.

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

Save The London Roof | Architects in 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.

Hackney

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