"BEFORE IMAGES" 

PROJECT DETAILS

The existing semi-detached family dwelling in Rathfarnham was extensive in scale.  The property had undergone extensive renovation and alterations over the years, with numerous level changes at first floor level, and the associated issues of problematic circulation.

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A similar situation occurred at ground floor level, with numerous sitting rooms, an un-functional kitchen space, and a poorly functioning conservatory to the rear, and the downstairs WC awkwardly located within the front porch area.

The client brief was to improve the functionality of the house for a family of five, to improve the thermal efficiency.  Design criteria included the addition of a utility space, and renovation throughout. The design solution was to rationalise the plan at ground floor level, demolishing the existing conservatory to the rear, and also demolishing an internal unused chimney.  This afforded greater opportunity to approach the kitchen directly from the hallway, rather than the previous approach of either through the lounge or sitting room.

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The reconfiguration of the kitchen has allowed for the creation of an open plan kitchen / family dining area, with utility room, pantry and large re-located WC accessible off this main family space.  A new feature slider leads from the family dining area to the patio, and large portrait style windows in the rear elevation frame the new patio and garden areas.

The living areas have been subdivided with a lounge area accessed off the main family kitchen area, and separable by means of a large feature sliding door.  The formal dining room remains in the front room, and is separated from the lounge area by means of double sliding doors.  This allows for these spaces to either be used independently, or to open up on the occasions of large family functions, with large free-flowing spaces presenting plenty of scope for multiple usage patterns.  A separate sitting room remains to the front of the house, and may also function as a home office space.

A new staircase was introduced at first floor level, and the associated floor levels fully rationalised throughout as a result.  Minor reconfiguration works ensued to increase the size of the family bathroom.

The thermal efficiency of the entire property has been increased, by internally insulating and introducing an air-tightness layer throughout, and new triple glazed aluminium glazing packaged has been installed throughout.   A new A-rated gas boiler replaces the existing oil fired heating system.   The existing M&E installation was also disjointed, with the use of two separate hot water cylinders located within the house.  A new factory insulated cylinder has been installed, and relocated to attic level.

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A bespoke handmade kitchen by Richard Burke Design, including feature joinery in the formal sitting room, and bathrooms by Ideal Bathrooms complete the interiors.