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Part of a terrace of Victorian homes, this Dublin dwelling suffered from being narrow and dark, with living spaces that felt claustrophobic. Its owners got in touch with Scullion architects hoping to remedy the problem.
“As well as improved bedrooms, bathrooms, and working spaces in a narrow, dark house, the client was looking for a home filled with light, natural materials and a sense of connection with the rare asset that was the long and sunny city garden,” director Declan Scullion explains. “This project explores how to adapt narrow houses in a manner that contributes to a sense of spaciousness and well-being with spaces to socialise, work and play.”
In order to unite spaces old and new, indoor and outdoor, a carefully chosen palette has been used throughout the home. “Handmade terracotta floor tiles unite internal and external space like a carpet through the plot. The house transforms in summer, when hardwood doors open fully to the courtyard and fold back to the rear allowing the concrete structure to stand free, pavilion-like, between party-walls and bridging from house to garden.”
Other prominent natural materials include ash wood frames, and red felt wall panelling, while a selection of complementary paint colours were selected that harmonised with these key materials and each other.
Much of the design was about ensuring natural light could flow in the home, such as the bi-fold doors at the back, the small courtyard between the kitchen and living and dining space, the roof light on the stairwell and a mirrored roof light set into the grass roof on the back extension. “The light then in turn brings added warmth to the natural materials of wood and terracotta used in the interior spaces, leading to a very tranquil environment in which to spend time,” Declan says.
Looking at the finished space, it’s hard to imagine it ever felt dark and compact. Now, the space is utterly serene and connected to nature, yet functions perfectly.
Photography Johan Dehlin