Working with materials and finishes already present, a new single-storey brick-clad extension runs along side this refurbished 1930’s home and into the garden. A smaller first floor extension, finished in wet-dash and smooth render, sits on top.
Refurbishment & Extension in Blackrock
This 1930’s semi-detached home in Blackrock was purchased by a young family as they loved the character of the original house and saw the charm in the old features. They were also aware of the home’s shortcomings and embarked on a substantial refurbishment and extension project as a result. Being keen gardeners, they had a strong desire to incorporate the garden into the project as much as possible.
Downstairs, the original footprint and features of the entrance hall and reception rooms were retained or faithfully reproduced. Elsewhere, a new office/playroom, toilet and utility room are accessed via a new corridor from the main hallway. Sitting behind these rooms is the new open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with a large picture window facing the garden and framing the view. A new internal opening, with a bespoke floor-to-ceiling sliding door, provides direct access from the reception rooms to the kitchen.
The side of the rear brick-clad extension is angled to face south and a 3m wide opening gives access onto the new raised patio area. The angle of the extension also offers a view of the garden from the entrance hall and ensures the extension does not encroach on the existing view of the garden from the reception rooms.
Upstairs, the small back bedroom is turned into a walk-in wardrobe and leads into the new first floor extension containing the new main bedroom and ensuite.
Bespoke built-in furniture is selectively fitted throughout the house. Along with a new kitchen, built-in furniture at the picture window provides a deep window seat and storage under. Built-in furniture in the main hallway, and returning onto the new corridor, provides cloakroom storage.
Home energy upgrades undertaken on the existing house as part of the work have improved the Building Energy Rating of the extended home from G to C1, reducing the energy demand by 65%.
Photography by Richard Hatch ©.