The Brief

In January 2015, CK Architecture was approached by a family who had recently purchased a detached single storey cottage in Dublin 16. The cottage was built on a site of approximately 0.1 hectare. The house had a total floor area of approximately 150 square metres. The site is adjacent to similar cottages and adjacent to 3-storey apartments. The rear garden is orientated South-South-West. The 3 bedrooms dwelling had previously been extended to rear. The building was cold and not insulated. The windows were single glazed and in poor condition. Signs of condensation were apparent in some areas. The new owners were in need of a fourth bedroom within the dwelling. They were also looking for larger bedrooms, a large living room, a large kitchen / dining area. They were aware that the dwelling was in need of a full refurbishment and were ready for major works, including re-roofing, new windows, rewiring, new heating system and more.

The Project

In order to protect the amenities of the adjacent cottage, the 2-storey extension was proposed to the North of the site where existing apartments are located. The proposal is modern to suit the clients' brief. Box windows were proposed at front. 3 bedrooms, including a master bedroom with ensuite are located at first floor while a fourth bedroom with ensuite is located at ground floor for guests. The dwelling benefits of a large kitchen / dining / living open plan and a separated lounge. The entry hall is also enlarged with a 2-storey ceiling and a utility room with ground floor sanitary completes the dwelling. The walls are insulated externally with an acrylic render finish. A side window is cantilevered in a bedroom at first floor to side, and orientated to protect the privacy of adjacent apartments. The clients invested in 12 Photovoltaic solar panels, which were included in the planning permission. The panels are installed on the 2-storey extension with good orientation South-South-East.

The Construction

Planning permission was applied for the project in June 2015 and was granted in September 2015. The clients wait until January 2017 to contact CK Architecture for organising the tender and construction design. The tender was organised in May 2017. Construction works started in September 2017 and were completed 11 months later. The dwelling was fully demolished, except for 4 walls and foundations. A new drainage system was created on site for surface and roof water. The clients revised the original design during construction, by changing the ground floor box windows with a floor to ceiling area, adding floor space in the project. Retention permission was obtained to regularise these changes at completion of the project and a planning application for a detached garage was also granted. A structural engineer was appointed to assist with the roof long span and for the under-pining of existing foundations, which were found to be unsuitable when exposed during construction.