| | The Brief During February 2013, we were contacted to design the refurbishment and extension of a dwelling in Palmerstown, Dublin 20. The dwelling had previously been extended at ground floor and an attic conversion was created with a dormer window for which we had obtained planning permission in 2009. The clients were looking to open and extend the kitchen / dining area of the dwelling. They were also willing to increase natural light penetration within the lounge. The floor finishing were to be renewed and all the dwelling redecorated. The project also included for new kitchen units, new windows, new fascia & soffits as well as external ground work. | The Project The extension is only 6 square metres. It was built on the boundary line with the written authorisation of the neighbours. It was first designed with red brick and changed to a concrete render finish as per the neighbours requirements. The roof of the existing extension has a very shallow pitch which we did not follow to comply with Velux minimum requirements for roof slopes. The extension enlarges the dining / kitchen area and provides an open plan for a sitting area. Glazed folding doors with a width of approximately 3.3 metres enable natural light transfer to the lounge (North facade) from the dining / kitchen area (South facade). When opened, the folding doors create one large room for receptions or other enjoyment of the ground floor. A glazed panel from the lounge provides additional natural light within the extended corridor. The dwelling was fitted with new windows to the rear and side facades. | | | | | The Construction As a result of the tender, a general building contractor from Palmerstown was appointed. The construction of the extension represented little work compared to the removal of structural walls, fitting of steel beams and columns. When removing plasterboard an existing column was found inappropriate and had to be re-built. Most walls and ceiling were re-plastered, new radiators fitted and some existing radiators relocated. The kitchen units were fitted by a team employed by the manufacturer, as well as the folding doors. The construction work started mid of June and was completed mid of September amid a 3 weeks break during July. | |