The Old Forge, a 19th century dilapidated former forge located in the green belt around London, has recently undergone a transformation into a modern and functional two-bed family house. The project began in 2017, when the client, a senior executive in a real estate firm, approached the architect at MIPIM in Cannes.
The site of the Old Forge, located at the end of a lush green street near two well-established local pubs, presented a unique challenge for the architect. The building, originally constructed as an ancillary building to the main house in the 1840s, had been converted into an electrical power station in the 1950s and had fallen into a state of disrepair. However, the potential for the building to be transformed into a functional and elegant family home was immediately apparent to both the client and the architect.
The design concept for the Old Forge centred around showcasing the original forging elements of the building, while also incorporating modern, residential features. The two original, still-functioning large furnaces were joined in an arch to a chimney, and these were retained and revamped to suit a residential use. The roof support structure was exposed, showcasing the beautiful trusses and adding to the industrial aesthetic of the building. The spiral staircase, a unique feature of the building, was also retained and restored to complete the forged look.
The process of obtaining planning approval for the project was elaborate, as the building is located within a listed cartilage in a conservation area. A dusk survey, a historical survey, and a tree survey were all required as part of the planning application. The architect made sure to retain all original features of the building, including the large format windows, while also incorporating modern amenities such as ensuite bathrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen.
The original industrial furnaces were converted into smaller scale residential fireplaces. The roof trusses, which had become dilapidated over time, were redesigned to accommodate the original roof angle and volume at different heights – one was lower in the central space on either side of the chimney breast to showcase the volume under the main roof. The second type of trusses were on the outer side-presenting with a deeper span to allow head height into the study upstairs.
The rear garden was also redesigned to allow for ample outdoor space, with a water feature added to enhance the overall aesthetic of the property. The client’s attention to detail was evident throughout the project, with small touches such as a light in the newly reinstated chimney and a special bee brick to allow local bees a nest being added to the final design.
Overall, the Old Forge is a unique and successful example of how a dilapidated former industrial building an be transformed into a beautiful and functional family home.