This project involved the renovation and extension of a 1930s red-brick semi-detached house on Griffith Avenue. The design sought to retain as much of the original house and its character as possible, while extending into the former side garage and to the rear at ground-floor level.

Over the years, the house had been extended in a piecemeal manner, resulting in a small kitchen that no longer functioned for a large family and a rear conservatory prone to overheating in summer, which also restricted natural light to the rear of the original house.

The new addition creates an open-plan kitchen and dining space which steps down towards the south-facing rear garden. A feature pivot door opens the dining area directly onto the garden, strengthening the connection between inside and out. Set-back glazing and a roof overhang provide shading from direct southern sunlight, while creating a sheltered threshold incorporating an external planter and internal bench seat.

The original living rooms have been retained and connected to create a more flexible sequence of spaces. The rear living room, now an inner room, borrows natural light from the new addition and forms a transition between the original house and new kitchen and dining space.

Externally, the extension is clad in charred larch and sits on a concrete plinth, which continues internally to form the dining window seat.

At first-floor level, the original footprint remains largely unchanged. A generous family bathroom was created by amalgamating three previously separate spaces — a WC, shower room and bathroom. The reconfigured layout brings additional natural light into the stairwell and opens up views from the landing towards Dublin city.

The project carefully balances the character of the original 1930s house with a contemporary addition designed around light, connection and family life.

Meeting Point: Front Entrance, 134 Griffith Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 N6E5. Look out for Open House Dublin Volunteers who will manage queues and entry for the tours.

Pre-Book Only

Wheelchair accessible