this project involved the addition of a 1-room extension at ground floor and a re-organisation of the upper level of the rear return of an edwardian-style terraced house, adjacent to dublin’s grand canal.

to create a large single space at the rear of the house, the upper floor of the existing rear return was permanently propped on steel beams, allowing a clear space beneath.

within this clear space, a new kitchen/ dining room was located for the family, addressing the perennial issue with these types of houses having no meaningful connection to the rear garden.

a brightly painted octagonal metal screen encloses the room on all sides, creating niche entry spaces at the corners.

externally the room is enclosed in exposed fairfaced concrete blockwork construction, which forms a contrasting raw background to the vivid, almost abstract screen.

the rear façade presents an austere almost temple-like façade to the back garden and passers-by on the nearby canal.