83 Rialto Cottages is a Type E two-bedroomed single-storey cottage, the most common of all house types constructed by Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company on behalf of Arthur Guinness Son and Co. Originally built circa 1880’s, it has recently undergone extensive works increasing floor area and improving the building energy rating.

The cottage lies within an Architectural Conservation Area. To accommodate a second bedroom / workspace upstairs with dormer roof construction, the ground floor was reduced in level so the original roof-ridgeline remains unbroken. The spatial planning considers the activation of the street by keeping bedrooms and bathrooms away from the two front windows – thereby negating the need for glass obfuscation or closure of blinds. Also, the typology of a private external outdoor space is maintained. The new positioning of this courtyard, along with strategically placed roof-lights, are key to providing high quality, day-lit living areas. The front façade is materially unchanged. The unoriginal door was replaced with a timber sheeted door of a high u-value. The cambered window opes were fitted with new double glazed units bearing in mind the original façade drawings.

The design of the cottage is inspired by the greening of the neighbouring streets through local communities’ initiatives. No matter what time of year, pot plants abound on the streets of Rialto Cottages creating a delightful atmosphere. This ‘biophilic’ house allows for a gardener’s potential within a small plot by designing in places for planting. The neighbourhood’s love of planting is embraced through a combination of bespoke planters, plant hangers and a green roof. One of the images is a view from the front door overlooking horse-ploughing of the Commons with Rialto Buildings in the background – the boot-scraper, integral to the front façade of 83 Rialto Cottages, was very much needed!

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