Ryan W Kennihan Architects applied key design moves to a bespoke challenge, with alluring results …
The owners of this period home in Drumcondra have a strong aesthetic sensibility and interest in mid-century style. Their home was ‘Strain-built’ – a term coined by master builder Alexander Strain (c.1877-1943) who developed homes marked by quality materials and craftsmanship. For architect Ryan W Kennihan MRIAI, the design challenge was to find a “dialogue” between his clients’ period home and passion for mid-century furniture.
The key design move was to bring these worlds together. The new extension introduces an openness not found in the period building. The garden faces south and, where typical designs would use a single big slider, he added high-level windows that face east and west and capture light across the day.
Light is contrasted with dark, as teak-lined lower walls create a rich backdrop. Between these two ‘worlds’ sits an exposed concrete structure that supports the existing return above.
The overall effect has many resonances – terrazzo floors and timber complement the teak walls of the extension, with exposed concrete columns reaching into the garden.
Few but quality materials give this home an understated elegance and also evokes the craftsmanship of the original period house.
