North Dublin House Extension

The brief was to create a spacious open-plan living area for a large family, who socialise with friends and extended family.  The extension including a separate utility room came in just under 40 SQM but required planning permission because it included space at the side of the house.  By incorporating the existing kitchen, the open-plan area is over 50 SQM.

All sites have constraints as well as opportunity and one of the site constraints is the North orientation of the rear garden.  However, with space to the side, our design team availed of the triple aspect with windows on the south, west and north walls.

Incorporation of an element of mono-pitch roof means light from the east is capture in the early morning by means of a large rooflight positioned over the kitchen.  

Our lead architect Nicola DaPonte was happy to incorporate a large L-shape island detail to accommodate kitchen appliances, cabinetry, a large work area and a seating area for eating and socialising.  The design shows the scope and success of large island features in certain settings.

Our architect led design team also included features such as brick to the rear elevation and panelling in the sitting area to create a delineation of this area and giving it a classic look.  In the centre of the open plan area there is a natural stone wall to break up the almost square place while fulfilling the function of concealing the structural steel required to hold up the corner of the existing house.  This provides the necessary sense of distinct space that is critical in the design of a large open-plan area.