ZION ROAD

This project consists of an extension and alterations to a Victorian family residence in Rathgar, a protected structure.

The project addresses issues which are common to this type of floor plan; how to provide additional floor area without diminishing light to the centre of the building, and how to increase the size and number of bathrooms.

The concept involves the introduction of three boxes, two in copper and one in timber as additions to the existing building. A small copper box extension was introduced to the first floor bathroom, increasing the size of the room and providing a thin sliver of light from one side, avoiding the issue of overlooking neighbours' gardens and reminiscent of the tradition of cantilevered bathrooms to the rear of period houses.

The second copper box, an extension to the lower ground floor provides a breakfast area and a kitchen. This space creates a strong relationship between the interior and the patio. It also provides a terrace above which is accessed from the formal reception rooms.

The third box constructed in wood and containing a bathroom is suspended in the centre of the dividing wall between the lower hallway and the front room. The box does not touch the floor or ceiling and is read as a piece of furniture from both sides. This bathroom allows the lower ground floor front room to be occasionally used as a guest bedroom.

Photographs copyright Ros Kavanagh.