Overseas-born and Dublin-based, A1 Architects, brought their international experience and respect for Dublin’s heritage homes when renovating this classic listed house on Ailesbury Road in Dublin 4.
Extending an already large ambassador’s residence comes with its own challenges, as well as rewards. The main goal for this impressive project was to design a comfortable residence that would allow for the hosting of larger special events, as well as for informal meetings.
A full refurbishment of this Victorian pile was called for, given that the building was in bad condition. Work hadn't been carried out for over three decades, so some internal alterations were needed to improve the flow and layout. Most importantly, part of the residence had been used for many years as office space, and the client wished to convert it into comfortable residential accommodation.
Even though it was already 443 sq/m in size, an extension was also needed because the original layout could not be tweaked to accommodate larger living spaces. An extra staircase was also called for, as well as a wheelchair accessible lift in order to meet modern day building requirements. This would connect the upper ground floor with the lower ground floor level.
The client also requested a full upgrade of the house, to include a smart home system, integrated with security systems. Finally, a new landscape design was created to maximise the grounds of this beautiful Dublin 4 site.
The main challenge was caused by the ultimate, oft-dreaded stumbling block: the property was a protected structure. “As foreign-born architects, we were particularly conscious of the historical value of the house and wanted to preserve as much of its original features as possible,” says Wojciech Kordyl of A1 architects. “With the help of our conservation consultant, a detailed conservation methodology was prepared. Dublin City Council was also a great help in meeting with us to discuss the project.”
This involved renovating the existing house (with the small alterations necessary to accommodate the new layout) and to build a modern extension around it, with two storeys to the side, and a single storey to the rear. It was imperative not to excessively interfere with the existing walls and structure of the house.
The original features of the house were retained. The unusual cast-iron external staircase was renovated and kept in the same position, and in this way, became a pleasing feature as part of the interior of the new extension.
Another big challenge with an old, and listed, building, was how to marry its fabric with the requirements of modern technologies. An intelligent home system and all of its relevant wiring and cabling, had to be integrated without damaging the protected structure. This was achieved by locating almost all of the components of this new system within the fabric of the new extension.
Finally, certain works on the building had to be carried out using the same methods that the original builders would have applied back in the 19th century.
“In our opinion, this extension and renovation was successful because of the way in which the modern extension has been integrated with the protected structure. All of our clients goals were achieved, and we’ve received some great feedback from our clients’ guests.”
Useful Contacts
Architect A1 Architects
Main Contractor Green Code Construction/ RS Construction
Render/Insulation STO
Tiles/Floors Tilestyle
Bathroom DPL, Bathroom World
Kitchens Arena Kitchens
Curtains Special Touch Interiors
Quantity Surveyor PJ Estimating
Structural Engineer Once Civil and Structural Ltd.
Historic Building Consultant Rob Goodbody, 087 689 9708
