INKSPACE have been appointed as Architects for the complete refurbishment and renovation of an existing forest cottage in Brockenhurst, within the New Forest National Park.
The project brief was to create a modern, comfortable and sophisticated retreat, maximising the footprint of the existing property and the adjoining garage.
The external appearance of the cottage has remained true to its existing features, whilst the internal spaces have been extensively reconfigured. The former kitchen, bathroom and dining area to the rear of the property have become one large open-plan living space. There is a greater connection to the garden and special features, such as a beautifully crafted timber window seat and an over-sized sliding door between the lounge and kitchen, allowing natural light to flood through the property at different times of the day.
The former lounge has become a master bedroom, whilst the existing garage has been converted to provide a store, ensuite to the master bedroom, cloak room and utility space. Vaulted ceilings have been introduced to the open-plan layout and entrance hall, creating an unexpected wow factor as you enter the property.
At first floor the existing chimney stack, which severed the second bedroom has been removed, to provide two equal sized, cosy bedroom spaces, which share the first floor shower room.
The project commenced on site in Spring 2021 and was completed in January 2022. This beautiful INKSPACE designed property can be booked for short breaks via Boutique Retreats.
“We can’t tell you how delighted we are that we chose to work with INKSPACE. We selected the team initially because we love their work and, as our project progresses, we continue to be delighted with their creativity, approach and attention to detail. They are working incredibly hard to help us get the project complete on time and have come up with imaginative ideas to cope with budget constraints. Most importantly, every member of the team is an absolute pleasure to work with.”
– Sarah Hughes, Client
Having joined the INKSPACE team in Summer 2024, Andrea is responsible for the smooth running of our busy design studio. She supports Lauren and the INKSPACE team with the day-to-day operations of the practice and is always on hand to chat with potential new clients about their project.
Andrea has always had a love for design and over her 30-year career has gained experience as a Personal Assistant and Office Manager to Senior Management within the industry.
Andrea studied and gained the London Chamber of Commerce Private Secretary’s Certificate at Poole Technical College as well as A Level Business studies. She brings her diverse commercial experience to the studio, along with her exceptional organisational skills to aid the steady growth and evolution of INKSPACE.
When she is not in the studio, Andrea sings with a Poole based choir and has a passion for charity work. She also has a love for classic cars and motorbikes!
Tensi as she likes to be called, joined the team as a Senior Architectural Designer in Spring 2024. She has worked in the UK for the last 17 years.
Tensi’s home country is Venezuela. Graduating and qualifying as an Architect from The University Central of Venezuela and furthering her education, here in the UK, achieving a Masters Degree in Interiors at Bournemouth University.
With her Architectural qualification and Masters in Interior Design, she has a wealth of technical knowledge, and a sound grasp of architectural space, form and aesthetics.
Her multicultural background has broadened her understanding of universal design, styles and influences her outlook in design, adding another dimension to her skills.
Her passion for architecture is clear to see and she loves the whole design process, from briefings with the client to following through with the technical and interior stages.
When Tensi is out of the office, she loves salsa dance, food and friends.
With over 15 years post qualification experience, William has worked across a variety of sectors at all job stages. During his time in practice, he has worked on a broad selection of complex projects, working with extensive design teams.
He is familiar with developing and responding to multifaceted briefs, and has delivered masterplans, new buildings and challenging refurbishments, at a variety of scales, from large multimillion pound schemes through to modest domestic extensions. William also has experience working with historic listed properties.
William is a strong communicator, recognising that good design comes from a collaborative approach. Able and proven as a thoughtful team player, he will always listen carefully and aims to be considered and enabling. He enjoys greatly building the positive relationships that enable a successful architectural process and outcome.
Outside of practice, William is a keen gardener, enjoys being in the kitchen and travelling with his young family. Having always been keen on drawing, he regularly adds to his sketchbooks.
Joining INKSPACE in Spring 2024, Charlotte is a natural creative who combines her artistic talents, model making skills and keen eye for detail to craft meticulously designed architectural moments. These creations are centred on materiality, rich in narrative and infused with purpose.
Charlotte considers herself to be an aspiring multi-faceted architect with experience in a range of architectural sectors namely residential, commercial, urban lighting and community-based projects. She thrives on collaborative work and, with her diverse experiences, can influence and enhance project briefs, design concepts and proposals. Always keen to progress and seek new challenges, Charlotte is soon to begin her Part 3 studies.
Outside the studio, Charlotte enjoys gardening, crafting and visiting galleries or the theatre. She is a marvellous baker of cakes which, she balances with her love for spin classes, coastal walks and trail running.
Neil Burton is a qualified and experienced architect who has worked with a wide range of clients and consultants across all work stages. His project experience includes commercial & industrial, healthcare, education, retail & leisure, housing, conservation, domestic conversions and extensions.
Neil is passionate about architecture that combines innovative design with intelligent use of natural resources, supported by a second Diploma in Energy Efficient Building from Oxford Brookes University.
Neil approaches all client projects with creative flair and sound technical expertise. He prides himself on his ability to listen carefully and design thoughtfully throughout the whole process. His open-minded and approachable character enables him to develop positive working relationships, which are critical in delivering successful projects.
Neil juggles his spare time between home renovations and enjoying the great outdoors with his family. He is currently pursuing a personal goal to become a self-taught guitarist (trying to keep up with his talented musical son!).
Lauren graduated from the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University and later studied at the School of the Built Environment, University of Westminster. Lauren soon established herself working as a Chartered Architect specialising in educational building design, before working on residential developments in London. In recent years, Lauren has developed a wealth of knowledge in the private residential sector, and has designed and delivered numerous bespoke properties across the South Coast of England and the New Forest National Park.
Lauren has a flair and passion for her work, placing the client’s needs and dreams at the forefront of the design process and has become known for her creative and empathetic building solutions. She believes that the most successful projects are those where careful and detailed development of the brief enables a simple, yet effective design concept to be realised throughout the design and construction process.
When not in the studio or out on site, Lauren can be found running along the coast path, swimming in the sea or drinking white wine at the beach hut! Lauren also has a love for ceramics and enjoys collecting bespoke pieces of art.