PROJECT DETAILS

The existing property is a c. 1990's semi-detached two storey three bedroomed dwelling, with single storey living room to the rear.  The property was extensively flood damaged in July 2013, due to the partial collapse of timber beams supporting the water tank at attic level.  The kitchen and sitting room areas at ground level were damaged beyond repair and a full refurbishment was required at ground level.  In undertaking the works, the clients sought to redevelop the ground level, creating a brighter open plan kitchen / living / dining area at ground level, with a small utility for boilers and washing machine, and adding a downstairs WC.

In addition to this, and while refurbishment works were being planned the clients also decided to take the opportunity to increase insulation levels throughout, and also to convert their existing attic space to an additional childrens bedroom.

A largely un-used fireplace and chimney were demolished from the single storey rear elevation, opening up the rear of the house and creating a new relationship between the rear garden and the living / dining area.  Both the side and rear elevations were opened up by introducing large feature double glazed aluminium sliding doors immediately enhancing daylight levels.  A new steel beam and column system was inserted to carry the weight of the upper level external wall at first level, thus allowing for the open plan kitchen / living / dining area.  A new galley style kitchen with central double width island now form the centrepiece of the family kitchen.  Existing internal panel doors were replaced with shaker style doors with opaque glazing, allowing daylight to further penetrate to the centre of the house.  The overall appearance of the ground level has been modernised; by dispensing with existing skirting boards and replacing door frames and architraves, with shadow gaps and full width frames with a routered detail, it allows for a modern crisp appearace throughout, in keeping with the open plan area to the rear.

Upstairs, minor alterations were made to one of the existing bedrooms to accommodate a new staircase between first floor level and the new bedroom at attic level.  Two no. new velux windows were inserted in the rear face of the exisitng roof allowing natural light to flood into the bedroom space, and also providing excellent views of the Dublin Mountains.  A bespoke desk and shelving unit provide a fitted study area, concealing a boxed out section providing headroom to the staircase below, and a small alcove to the side doubles as a walk-in wardrobe area.  Further storage areas are provided by installing flush doors to access crawl space storage in the eaves.

In terms of improving energy efficiency, the existing heating installation was extended to attic level, and zones were introduced.  A new insulated hot water cylinder has been installed, and mechanical and electrical upgrades have been carried out throughout.