DAVID FLYNN
ARCHITECTS

Timeless Revival: Revitalizing Terenure's Art Deco Beauty

Embark on a journey through this 1930s classic, seamlessly merging contemporary design with its original charm.

Rear elevation of the refurbished and extended 1930s Art Deco house in Terenure

With a North facing orientation to the rear, the challenge here was to bring as much natural daylight into the house as possible.

A large floor-to-ceiling fixed window fitted between the kitchen counters and island creates a bright kitchen space. High glazed double doors extend up as the ceiling is raised to capture the end of the summer evening sunlight.

Sliding doors between the dining space and original sitting room are reinstated to allow light and views through the full width of the house as the new layout allows spaces to flow from one to the next.

In the dining space, feature plaster splays focus your view towards the garden and incorporate narrow bookshelves, pairing architectural interest with practical functionality.

To the front elevation, a feature brick surround around a new hall door gives new life and presence to the Art Deco style house. A new curved brick planter and entrance step references the unusual curved bay window.

Interior view of the refurbished Art Deco house, showcasing the dining space and bookshelves
Living space with original Art Deco fireplace, built-in shelving, and brick plinth

Front Elevation

Along with general refurbishment works, the project included the removal of an old porch that had obliterated the original entrance. We designed a new hall door and surround, with stepped brick reveals intended to enhance the original architectural concept for the house.

Dining Space looking towards rear garden

Raised planter

Along with general refurbishment works, the project included the removal of an old porch which had obliterated the original entrance. We designed a new hall door and surround, with stepped brick reveals intended to enhance the original architectural concept for the house.

Entrance detail

Entrance detail

Junction showing the new stepped porch, extension to the right-hand side, and new entrance steps

Basket weave brickwork inlaid within semi-circular steps leading to the hall door.

Basket weave brickwork inlaid within semi-circular steps leading to the hall door.

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Living space with original Art Deco fireplace, built-in shelving, and brick plinth

Stair Balustrade

The side of the stairs had been altered by previous owners and we designed a new balustrade / side-panel to match other retained painted joinery in the house.

Handrail

Handrail

The original teak handrail and newels were retained and refurbished.

Kitchen / Dining

Kitchen / Dining

The main living space was extended slightly into the rear garden, and the roof of this steps up to maximize daylight coming into the interior.

Built-in window seat with hardwood cladding

Kitchen / Dining

The main living space was extended slightly into the rear garden, and the roof of this steps up to maximize daylight coming into the interior.

Steps in plan and cross-section

Steps in plan and cross-section

Art Deco influences were evident in the original house, and here we picked up on a typical stepping art-deco motif to conceal strip lighting and shelving.

Interior view

Interior view

A picture window between the kitchen cabinets and island frames a tall view of the back garden.

Dining table

Dining table

Beside the dining area, the walls step out to match what is going on with the ceiling above, and extensive shelving is hidden behind these where it remains tucked away but easily accessible when required.

On-site photo

Interior circulation

The reconfigured interior was carefully laid out to link in smoothly with the original circulation of the house. Here there is a seamless link between old and new.