NEW CHURCH IN TALLAGHT

We will shortly be lodging a planning permission for this new church in Tallaght and in the design process saw it necessary to create a simple scale model to examine different fenestration options.

Booterstown Completion ... Eventually

For reasons beyond the control of client architect and contractor this house extension and alteration was completed after a protracted delay to the start.  The clients are to be commended for exhibiting something close to the patience of Job!  Some things are worth waiting for and I trust that this project fits nicely into that category. I previously wrote about this project in an earlier post.

"Opt out" might affect house value

Changes are afoot for the application of Building Control Regulations for extensions and one off houses with September 1st 2015 being flagged as the date.  In principle an opt out of the requirements of S.I. 9 is being mooted but concern is being expressed that 2 standards will develop.  We understand that local authorities are being consulted by the Department with the intention of ramping up inspections for such "opt out" projects but with government resources being finite the effect of this can, at best, be limited.  Questions are being asked by the professional bodies on the matter as the details remain a mystery.
My advise to clients would be to not "opt out" as this may effect your house value in the long run, not to mention the quality of construction.   For all its faults the new Building Control Regulations (S.I.9) is increasing the culture of compliance which is the very thing that everyone sought in the first place.
At ABA Architects our recent experience is that we are seeing local authorities carrying out more inspections and their input has been helpful  and beneficial to the projects.   As always we are happy to advise you on the specifics of your project and the many legal requirements attached to same.

Refurbishment without Extension

Without an extension this house at Rosemount Crescent Dublin 14 was entirely refurbished. ABA Architects provided both an architectural service as well as an Interior design consultancy.  Kitchen and Bedroom furniture was provided by Kelly Design Ltd.  Contractor was Paul Gallagher of Mellor Enterprises Ltd.  At ground floor level the Kitchen was opened to the dining and living space. Sliding double doors between front and rear reception rooms allowed the sunlight penetrate to rear of house. Separate WC and shower rooms off hall were altered to Visitors WC and passage to converted garage. Stairwell was refurbished and new opening provided to passage leading to relocated main bathroom at first floor level. Master bedroom was provided with dressing room and en-suite shower bathroom. A fresh contemporary look was provided to this 1950's house as well as insulation, plumbing, heating and electrical upgrades. More images are available on our Houzz website

Urban Dentistry in Irishtown

Irishtown is an old Dublin village with a distinctive and unique character. This proposed new house could be classified as urban dentistry in that it involves improving a streetscape which currently has gaps.  We did a similar infill in Irishtown successfully a number of years ago.

Hatch Street Revival

Photos by rosphotography.ie

There is something satisfying in restoring the original use to a building.  This recently completed project involved the restoration of full residential use to a property which was in partial office use. The challenge in optimising the layout led me to clear out some rooms of unnecessary clutter and rationalise the bathroom locations.  The result is entirely refreshing and utterly practical. I have to confess I was blessed with  dream team of both contractor and client who jointly approached me.  I had previously worked with the contractor on the construction of 2 stunning riverside houses in Chapilizod which had received Planning Permission based on design from World Building of the Year winning Grafton Architects. Now if I needed a place to live right in the heart of the city, within a stone's throw from both Iveagh Gardens and Stephen's Green I could do a lot worse than rent this property.

En-suite with concealed pipework

Dining, Kitchen and Patio Garden

Main Bathroom

Restored Hall

Attic Gallery Bedroom

Dining and Living with new sliding pocket doors