House in Blackrock Rebuilt and Revitalised
![Visualisation of proposed rear elevation](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Rear-garden-visualisation-elevation.jpg)
A semi-D transformed into a stylish haven with garden bliss
The existing house possessed an expansive South facing garden, but the internal spaces were largely disconnected to the garden, accessed by a single door in the Sitting Room and partially blocked by existing sheds. With a modest kitchen and non-descript room to the front, the house required much work to become a home for a young family.
The front elevation is simplified and modernised with a mono-pitch roof extending over the existing structure and onto a new covered porch.
A corner window brings morning light into a new office space.
The proposed extension includes a large open plan kitchen living dining space opening out into the garden. Brick piers frame the view and continue outside to form a granite capped window seat and deep threshold which protects from glare and rain.
Floor-to-ceiling sliders and a glass-to-glass corner window allow light to penetrate deep into the plan while a large rooflight over the dining area creates a soft wash of light down the wall.
These different sources of light provide a space that is well-lit and bright all year round.
At first floor, a new large master bedroom overlooks the garden. Splayed walls capture as much light as possible from morning to evening.
![Concept image](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Blackrock-print.jpg)
![Front elevation visualisation](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Blackrock-front-visualisation.jpg)
New front elevation
The flat roof of the existing extrusion is to be rebuilt with a mono-pitch roof, sloping down to create a covered porch. Concealed rainwater pipes provide clean edges to the geometric profile.
Before
The existing front elevation included a mix of brick and plaster finishes. This materiality is reconsidered and simplified in the proposed front elevation with brick at ground floor and plaster finish at first floor level.
![Digital model image](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Blackrock-model-overall.jpg)
Context model
The proposed works to the front are based on simple geometries. The hipped roof is to be replaced with a gable to accommodate a new staircase.
![Rear elevation visualisation](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Rear-visualisation-side.jpg)
Rear visualisation
An existing extension to the side included an exposed timber roof structure. This structure is to be extended across the open plan kitchen/living/dining area to create a single cohesive space.
Before
The existing living spaces had limited access to the long mature garden.
![Rear elevation visualisation](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Rear-elevation-visualisation.jpg)
Rear patio visualisation
Floor-to-ceiling glazed sliders extend onto a partially covered patio. This deep threshold means the internal spaces flow out into the garden.
![Visualisation of kitchen interior](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Interior-view-kitchen.jpg)
Kitchen visualisation
The splayed brick pier continues internally and wraps up above the splashback adding texture to the kitchen.
![Kitchen detail visualisation](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/Interior-kitchen-detail.jpg)
Kitchen Visualisation
Glass-to-glass corner window provides views the full width of the garden. The brick pier continues internally as a low plinth. Built-in shelving aligns with the edge of a new rooflight creating a wash of light against the back wall.
![Visualisation of view towards garden](/Assets/Images/Blackrock-Modernisation/View-towards-garden.jpg)
View to garden
Internal brick piers frame the glazed sliding doors and corner window drawing your view down into the mature garden.