Business Details
14 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Hampshire
Established in 2012, Forest Architecture is an award-winning architectural practice based on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire. Our work focuses on integrating contemporary architecture into sensitive settings, utilising natural materials and traditional building techniques to create timeless, contextually responsive designs. With expertise in residential, commercial, and heritage projects across southern England, we prioritise sustainability through a fabric-first approach, local material sourcing, and energy-efficient design. Our collaborative process involves clients, consultants, and planning authorities to ensure projects align with both environmental goals and user needs. Recognised for our commitment to historic preservation and innovative adaptation of listed buildings, we maintain memberships with RIBA, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, and Architects Declare.Our team combines academic excellence with practical experience, including Natalie Skeete's specialist conservation background and Anna Burton's residential design expertise. We approach each project with a tailored methodology, from initial concept development to construction completion, ensuring seamless integration with surrounding landscapes. Our portfolio demonstrates a consistent dedication to quality craftsmanship, natural light optimisation, and creating spaces that enhance wellbeing. By maintaining minimal material palettes and prioritising environmental considerations from project inception, we deliver architecture that balances modernity with enduring functionality. This philosophy has earned recognition including Build Magazine's 2024 Best Heritage Architectural Design Specialists award in Hampshire.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Heritage Architecture
Historic Building Conservation
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Planning Consultancy
Material Specification
Lighting Design
Heritage Research
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have over a decade of experience in sensitive architectural contexts
- Our team includes RIBA Chartered Members with specialist conservation qualifications
- We implement a fabric-first sustainability approach across all projects
- Our collaborative design process involves clients throughout planning stages
- We maintain active memberships with leading architectural conservation bodies
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation
- Architects Declare
Services
Residential Architecture
We create contemporary residential buildings that harmonise with sensitive landscapes. Our approach combines natural materials with traditional techniques to produce timeless, contextually responsive homes. Each project receives tailored attention to ensure seamless integration with its surroundings while meeting modern living requirements.
Heritage Architecture
Specialising in listed buildings and conservation areas, we undertake detailed historic research before implementing design solutions. Our work enhances architectural significance while adapting heritage assets for contemporary use. This includes both repair projects and sensitive new interventions within historic contexts.
Commercial Architecture
We deliver commercial developments that balance functionality with aesthetic quality. Our approach creates work environments that prioritise natural light and wellbeing. Projects range from office conversions to purpose-built facilities that respond to their specific locations and business needs.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability focus begins at project inception, employing a fabric-first approach to reduce energy consumption. We maximise environmental potential through material selection, orientation, and passive design strategies. Local sourcing and carbon footprint minimisation are integral to every project.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from concept through to completion. Our services include planning applications, specification writing, and contract administration. We maintain close site supervision to ensure design integrity is preserved throughout the construction process.
People
Natalie Skeete
Founder & Director
RIBA Chartered Architect with specialist conservation qualifications. Founded Forest Architecture in 2012 after completing her Masters in Building Conservation. Leads heritage projects including Grade I listed church repairs. Combines academic expertise with practical experience in coastal heritage preservation.
Anna Burton
Architect
Qualified architect with experience in high-end residential projects and listed buildings. Joined Forest Architecture in 2020, focusing on small-scale individual projects. Emphasises simplicity in design with logical layouts and clean detailing. Brings international experience from London and Bath practices.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We specialise in contemporary architecture that responds to its context, particularly in sensitive rural and historic environments.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Grade I, II*, and II listed buildings, including church repairs and heritage adaptations.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We use a fabric-first approach, local materials, and passive design strategies to minimise environmental impact from project inception.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily southern England, including Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset, with a focus on National Parks.
Can you assist with planning applications?
Yes, we provide full planning services including listed building consent applications and collaboration with local authorities.
What materials do you prefer?
We prioritise natural materials like wood, stone, and clay that create timeless connections to local landscapes and contexts.
