In this project, a typical 1950s semi-detached house with a stark Northerly aspect to the rear is refurbished and extended.
Large rooflights have been positioned so as to align with the functions of the home below. The length of these lightwells allow for the rear of the house to benefit from Southerly light in the afternoon. Dropped plaster bulkheads to either side of the interior means that the space is lit by reflected, rather than direct daylight providing the interior with varying daylight throughout the day.
The exterior is finished with brick and pebbledash in common with the front elevation of the South Dublin street. To try to bed the extension into its surroundings, a brick plinth incorporates a raised planter outside the kitchen window containing a chef's garden planted with herbs and spices, which will in time bring the garden within arm's reach.
The new rear elevation is finished in dashed render and brick to match the character of the original house. A wide patio area is enclosed by low brick walls which run into the interior.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Before
Before the works, the original house was a typical 1960s semi-d, untouched since original construction.
The new extension to the north-facing rear of the house has been designed to take advantage of Southerly sunshine coming from the front.
A brick plinth runs from inside to outside and rises up beside the glazed screen to become a corner structural pier. Internally, shelving is recessed above the plinth.
The brick plinth is continued outside to become a raised planter, where a herb garden grows under the kitchen window.
Photos: Aisling McCoy
A brick plinth runs from inside to outside and rises up beside the glazed screen to become a corner structural pier. Internally, shelving is recessed above the plinth. Photo: Aisling McCoy
The brick plinth is continued outside to become a raised planter, where a herb garden grows under the kitchen window.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
The dining table sits under one of the large rooflights.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
“...work brimming with intelligence, ingenuity, judgement and taste.”
AAI Awards Jury Commentary
“Stylish Functionality”
House + Design Magazine
“
We worked with David on an extension to the rear of our house, in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
David was a pleasure to work with throughout the project. He has a fantastic eye for detail, and we were absolutely delighted with how things turned out.
”
Client review
The living area is focused on a new gas fire which is recessed into the original chimney breast
The kitchen is aligned with one of the large rooglights. The window opens onto a raised herb garden outside.
Photos: Aisling McCoy
The living area is focused on a new gas fire which is recessed into the original chimney breast.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
The kitchen is aligned with one of the large rooglights. The window opens onto a raised herb garden outside.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Location
Blackrock, Dublin
Completion
Jan 2016
Architect
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Health & Safety
Project Supervisor (Design Stage)
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Structural Engineer
Kavanagh Mansfield & Partners
Main Contractor
Merrion Contracting Ltd.
Specialist Aluminium, Rooflights
ADT Facades
Photography
Aisling McCoy