Being a corner house with plenty of space on the southern side provided an excellent starting point for the design. The basis of the design was to bring a contemporary twist to this traditional Irish house in a way that would complement its existing form, while also utilising the site location and building orientation to its fullest.

In that vein, the proposed new extension featured large, glazed doors and clerestory windows on the Southern and Eastern sides to get in ample sunlight during the day; even to the darkest part of the house. The ground floor extension took shape as a simple flat-roofed structure that beautifully contrasts the existing house with brick & zinc cladding and glazing elements. In addition, the extension also includes a covered patio to the south which ensures that both the internal and external spaces are deeply entwined, bringing the occupants closer to nature. The front of the property has generous, anthracite-framed, aluminium-clad bay windows with granite sills, brick, and zinc cladding that ties the entire design together with its context.

The spacious plan includes a home office, snug, playroom, bathroom, living room and generous open-plan space with an outsize utility located conveniently off the kitchen. Upstairs, the house has three bedrooms and a master bedroom with an En-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Despite the challenges that arose due to covid restrictions in 2020, the project was completed in 16 months.

By combining passive lighting techniques with a simple palette of materials, the extension not only complements the existing structure and the site but also provides a space that enhances everyday life. Being a substantially big extension/refurbishment project completed during the pandemic, the house stands as a testament to the importance of taking a collaborative approach to ensure the success of a project. The building also stands as an exemplar of how a typical Dublin home can be wonderfully transformed into a modern home filled with light and all modern amenities.