Red, bull-nosed bricks were an unusual feature we found in this 1930s Art Deco house and became a design cue in rebuilding the house with extra bedrooms, bathrooms, storage, and living space.
Residential Rebuild: 78m2, Extension: 67m2
Photography: Aisling McCoy
This house was a compact but very unusual Art Deco era house in South Dublin, which was refurbished and extended to just under double the original size.
Originally the house comprised two modest reception rooms, a tiny kitchenette and two-and-a-half single bedrooms, the finished house includes a large kitchen-dining area, utility room, downstairs toilet, four bedrooms and a decent bathroom and master ensuite.
A toplit double-height stairwell brightens up the centre of the house and the rear is animated with a large glazed screen and a bespoke lightbox rooflight so that the rear can enjoy sunshine from earlier in the day.
The new work complements the character and style of the original house. One unusual feature of the original is the use of warm-coloured bull-nosed bricks and clay tiles for the window cills. We have taken this as a theme for the new rear elevation which has a South-westerly aspect.
The old house was substantially demolished to the side and rear to make way for a doubling of the floor area.
The old house was substantially demolished to the side and rear to make way for a doubling of the floor area.
A feature fireplace salvaged from one of the bedrooms is reinstated in the new living room. Bookcase shelving is recessed between an original chimney breast and the new extension walls.
The dining area is enlivened by a tall lantern window and rooflight above.
Photos: Aisling McCoy
A feature fireplace salvaged from one of the bedrooms is reinstated in the new living room. Bookcase shelving is recessed between an original chimney breast and the new extension walls.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
The dining area is enlivened by a tall lantern window and rooflight above.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Axonometric Drawing
The back of the house has a sunny orientation and has been clad in brick and timber with an integral bench overlooking the patio area. Internally the brick is continued on some inside walls and an original fireplace reinstated in the living area.
Perspective View
The kitchen-dining space features brick detailing and a large rooflight.
Axonometric Drawing
The back of the house has a sunny orientation and has been clad in brick and timber with an integral bench overlooking the patio area. Internally the brick is continued on some inside walls and an original fireplace reinstated in the living area.
Perspective View
The kitchen-dining space features brick detailing and a large rooflight.
Axonometric Drawing
The house is organised around a new staircase in a toplit double height hallway.
Perspective View
Deep interior colours provide a rich counterpoint to bright toplighting.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Axonometric Drawing
The house is organised around a new staircase in a toplit double height hallway.
Perspective View
Deep interior colours provide a rich counterpoint to bright toplighting.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
“The final result is stunning, as well as being a comfortable, bright and warm living space.”
“We hired David Flynn Architects to refurbish and extend a 1930's semi-D.
We were open to ideas and he was extremely creative in terms of thinking of ways to really maximise space and light, and came up with an internal layout we would never have thought
of.
He showed a real respect for the era the house was built in, and introduced beautiful and unusual design features to fit with that.
The final result is stunning, as well as being a comfortable, bright and warm living space.
As well as the quality of the design, we were also pleased with David's professionalism, good humour, attention to detail and ability to manage the project so well and deal with the contractors.”
Client review
Toplit lightwell beside the dining area.
Cedar bench on the south-facing rear elevation.
Photos: Aisling McCoy
Toplit lightwell beside the dining area.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Cedar bench on the south-facing rear elevation.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
View from the entrance hallway through to the new kitchen-dining area beyond.
All of the original joinery in the house (including doors, architraves and skirtings) were retained and reinstated wherever possible.
Photos: Aisling McCoy
View from the entrance hallway through to the new kitchen-dining area beyond.Photo: Aisling McCoy
All of the original joinery in the house (including doors, architraves and skirtings) were retained and reinstated wherever possible.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Night-time view of the rear elevation and steps leading down to the patio level.
The original sitting room with new windows installed to match the original.
Photos: Aisling McCoy
Night-time view of the rear elevation and steps leading down to the patio level.Photo: Aisling McCoy
The original sitting room with new windows installed to match the original.
Photo: Aisling McCoy
Location
Harold's Cross, Dublin
Design Team Leader
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Architects
(Sketch design, Planning, Detailed Design & Construction
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Building Control:
Design Certifier & Assigned Certifier
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Health & Safety:
Project Supervisor (Design Stage)
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Daylight Shadow Analysis
David Flynn Architects Ltd.
Structural Engineer
Kavanagh Mansfield & Partners
Budget costing
Mulcahy McDonagh & Partners
Main Contractor
RH Construction
Photography
Aisling McCoy
Before
The old house was substantially demolished to the side and rear to make way for a doubling of the floor area.
Photo: David Flynn Architects
The old house was substantially demolished to the side and rear to make way for a doubling of the floor area.
Photos: David Flynn Architects