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The owners of this Clontarf home approached Architectural Farm to remedy its awkward layout. When they bought it, it had some poorly considered additions and alterations that resulted in a large house but with odd shapes and underused spaces, with little connection to the garden.
The south-facing rear living spaces also had issues with overheating, Shane Cotter, director at Architectural Farm explains. “The views of the Dublin mountains from the first-floor bedrooms were also obscured,” he says.
“They had lived in the house for a few years before looking to tailor the house to their own needs. They wanted a home that functioned well for them but also that reflected their own tastes, with spaces that were simple and calm but also warm.”
Their design sought to remedy these issues with minimal alteration to the existing house. The result was the introduction of a deep cast in-situ concrete frame.
To help the old and new spaces feel harmonious, they stripped back the palette of material and colours to one which was complementary to the original early twentieth century house.
Concrete and timber are the main materials throughout the home. A timber floor runs throughout the existing house, while a new concrete floor flows out into the garden, connecting with the new columns and frame. “The colours and tones of walls and floors are deliberately light and muted to allow the rich texture of the large timber windows and panelling to sing,” Shane says.
“We love the textures, the light, how calm the space feels, and how the relationship with the internal spaces and landscaping has evolved,” Shane says. “That happy relationship of architecture, home and garden came out of a great collaboration with our client, garden designer, Sarah Jordan, and contractor, WCB Construction.”
Photography: Ste Murray