Extension/Refurbishment
of a listed Victorian redbrick

Location : Rathmines, Dublin
Status : Completed August 2012

This project called for an extension and full refurbishment of a listed Victorian redbrick which had previously been divided into flats. Former additions including a mews in the garden were demolished to allow for a new single storey brick structure to span the full width of the site. The new extension, which accommodates a large family kitchen/dining room, was set back from the main house to allow natural daylight into the main house and its return and also dual aspect to the new kitchen. The set back resulted in a courtyard which was lined with timber to make an attractive entrance as the owners parked their bikes in the covered side passage/shed and used this as the day to day entrance. Also housed in the new extension is the utility room, clad in iroko panelling and a lacquered MDF storage wall concealing wc, cloaks, m+e and pantry. Bespoke joinery such as a computer desk and a day bed are positioned to overlook the courtyard and garden and the kitchen Island, is located in the centre of the room under the roof light. The iroko glazed screens were detailed to have fixed windows flush with the brickwork and opening windows set back flush with the plaster, creating informal seating internally. The extension is finished with a red brick to match that of the front of the protected structure, however a flush mortar joint and a brick capping were used to instil a contemporary aesthetic. The main house was fully restored to its original layout with an enlarged bathroom to meet modern day needs.