Dun Emer Road

Reconfiguring the circulation and Garden Access

Situated along Dun Emer Road, Dundrum, Dublin, this two storey semi-detached house retained its original layout with the addition of a sunroom to the rear.

The existing design lacked a clear circulation route, requiring passage through the main living room to access the rest of the home. At the back, the family spaces for cooking, dining, and socializing were disconnected and divided into smaller rooms. This disordered layout led to certain areas being underutilised or disrupted by conflicting activities, diminishing their intended purposes.

To enhance circulation, a new central corridor was introduced, extending from the front to the rear of the house. This adjustment creates a clear pathway through the home, allowing the front living room to function as a distinct, uninterrupted space.

In the rear, the sunroom was removed, making way for a new single-storey extension that creates a larger communal area featuring an open plan kitchen and dining space. This design fosters a more inviting gathering point for the family to spend time together.

Connections to the garden were established through two openings: a slender window and a larger sliding door, facilitating a seamless transition from the new open plan space to the garden. Natural light floods the kitchen counter space from a roof light situated overhead, creating a bright surface for preparing food..

To manage sunlight during the summer months, the depth of the rear wall was increased, providing shade from the high sun while simultaneously offering shelter during inclement weather.

On the first floor, further enhancements include the addition of a new ensuite for the master bedroom and an improved layout for the main bathroom.

At the front, a new single-storey extension reorders and simplifies the façade and enlarges the front living room. The entrance is recessed within this extension, creating a sheltered space at the front door.

Collaborators

Location: Dun Emer Road, Co. Dublin

Kitchen: Timbercraft

Photography: Andrew Campion