David Flynn Architects Ltd. - Portico

David Flynn Architects Ltd.

• 2017

Residential extension to semi-detached house in Dublin

Two felicitous accidents of siting distinguish this house from the many thousands of similar speculative estate-type houses built in the 1960s and 70s: a triangular corner site and an almost due-South orientation to the rear.
Largely untouched since its original construction, the house required complete replacement of all services, thermal performance upgrading, and the creation of a large family space for cooking, eating, and relaxing.
The rear of the house was opened up completely and a small extension created. This extension is orientated according to the geometry of the site and its outlook is both wider and more private as a consequence.
To the rear, the new rear elevation steps up in height, in proportion to the size of room it serves, and is protected from midday sunshine by a shallow portico which tracks the motion of the sun from morning till evening.
This portico is a timber-framed construction nestled between masonry piers which are finished in white brick. Intended to feel light and more in the character of an interior space, the masonry element to the rear is in distinct contrast to the weighty and somewhat dour character of the original house.