Howth Road, clontarf : House extension & Refurbishment

This protected structure, a beautiful detached two- storey Victorian villa surrounded by mature trees had well proportioned rooms and many attractive original features but also a number of poor quality single storey extensions at ground level. Our challenge was to to improve the facilities and spatial planning of the house to contemporary standards, while respecting and enhancing the character of the main house, the protected structure.

Our solution involved demolishing some of the defunct single storey accommodation and adding an extension to the side, sitting behind the main house. In dealing with protected structures, one of two approaches are generally employed. Either marrying in a new addition in the style of the original or adding a new structure which is in clear contrast to the original, highlighting what is the old and what is the new. In this instance, given the size and setting of the extension, our approach was to add a contemporary pavilion type extension. This new informal part of the house ties in well with the formal areas, and there is an attractive mixing of old and new throughout the house in a spacious family home with good circulation, well proportioned rooms and good light and storage.