DAVID FLYNN
ARCHITECTS
Front elevation

Harold's Cross


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

Night view of rear elevation
Front elevation

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.

Construction progress photo The old house was substantially demolished to the side and rear to make way for a doubling of the floor area.

Construction progress photo 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

Living space with original art deco fire place, built in shelving and brick plinth

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

Dining Space looking towards rear garden

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

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.

Sectional view

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

Section through staircase

Axonometric Drawing
The house is organised around a new staircase in a toplit double height hallway.

First floor landing with sweeping, curved balustrade and large rooflight

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.”

Houzz starsHouzz starsHouzz starsHouzz starsHouzz stars


Client review

Award image

Toplit lightwell beside the dining area.

Cedar bench on the south-facing rear elevation.
Photos: Aisling McCoy

Shanid-08.jpg

Toplit lightwell beside the dining area.
Photo: Aisling McCoy

Built-in window seat with hardwood cladding

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

Entrance Hall looking towards living space

View from the entrance hallway through to the new kitchen-dining area beyond.Photo: Aisling McCoy

Nursery

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 view of rear elevation

Night-time view of the rear elevation and steps leading down to the patio level.Photo: Aisling McCoy

Living Room

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

On site photo On site photo

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