Title: Clanree

Project Type: Domestic Extension & Renovation

Location: Donnycarney, Dublin 5

Status: Complete

Structural Engineer: Loscher Design Practice

General Contractor: Ruby Building / Red Lion Construction

Window Contractor: NRGI Bespoke Glazing

Quantity Surveyor: Modia Consulting

Photo Credit: MMXarchitects, Alan Smyth

A project that developed from a Simon Open Door consultation, the brief called for a reorganisation of the ground floor accommodation in order to better connect living spaces to a generous rear garden, and provide an additional bedroom at first floor level. A new extension works in tandem with an existing kitchen extension to enhance internal living spaces. The previous living room was overly dark due to the location of the kitchen extension blocking a majority of the external light previously available to it. This former living space was repurposed as an additional bathroom, and the living space was rehoused in a new extension oriented to take advantage of the aspect of the garden and admit late afternoon light via high-level windows over the living space. Generous triple sliding doors and an overhanging roof afford use of external space even in inclement weather. The high-level windows ensure an abundance of light in this living space even with the rear canopy shading the sliding doors. A vital element of the project for the client was the use of shou shugi ban, or charred timber cladding, to the exterior of the project. The existing kitchen extension was revitalised with a new rooflight, and the provision of a generous west facing bay window that incorporated bench seating for the new dining area. The new first floor bedroom provides additional accommodation, and overhangs the front of the extension at ground floor to provide a sheltered external space for secure bicycle storage and a concealed entrance to the utility. This allows the utility to act as a boot room in parallel with the main entrance adjacent to it.