Sloperton Lodge, Co. Dublin

PKA's remodelling of this Monkstown villa - a protected structure - included the design of a large rear extension to accommodate the family's contemporary lifestyles.

The original is an excellent example of the fine Victorian architecture that accompanied construction of the Dublin-to-Kingstown railway in the eighteen-forties. Comprising a two-storey-over-basement structure, the protected structure was in multiple units when purchased by PKA's clients in 2006.

The brief was to conserve and restore those features which contributed to the house's special character, to ensure that the alterations and additions represented the best of contemporary design, and that theydid not detract from the quality of the original.

PKA's project restores much of the layout to its 1850 configuration, while having regard for the client's objective that the house functions as a modern family home. This involved some re-configuration of the existing layout to provide en-suite bathrooms and such-like, while retaining the fine proportions of the house's principal reception rooms.

PKA's design of the rear extension incorporates part of the original into a dramatic kitchen-cum-dining room, with a full-length glass screen and a contemporary oak staircase that provides a vertical link to the ground floor family room and garden.

The restoration employed state of the art energy saving technology; an integrated heating system, solar panels, a wood pellet boiler and gas condensing backup have enhanced the energy rating of the house, while high grade insulation and careful restoration of the original windows significantly improve heat loss.

The striking landscape design was carried out in association with the client and the award-winning garden designer Diarmuid Gavin.

Client: Private

Value: €2,000,000

Size: 550 sq.m.

Reference: On Application
Design: 2004
Completion: 2008