In this project, a typical 1950s semi-detached house in Dublin is refurbished `and extended to the rear.
The rear of the house has a stark Northerly aspect.
A step in the elevation is intended to catch very early morning sunshine, the only direct light this elevation will receive. Overhead, large rooflights with lightwells which swoop down into the ceiling, have been positioned so as to align with the functions of the home below. The length of these lightwells allow for the rear of the house to benefit from Southerly light in the afternoon. Dropped plaster bulkheads to either side of the interior means that the space is lit by reflected, rather than direct daylight and this helps to animate the living spaces with varying daylight throughout the day.
The exterior is finished with brick and pebbledash in common with the front elevation of the house. To try to bed the extension into its surroundings, a brick plinth runs from inside to outside to form a raised patio, with steps down to the garden level. This incorporates a raised planter outside the kitchen window containing a small chef's garden planted with herbs and spices, which will in time bring the garden within arm's reach.
