TAKA Architects has skilfully reworked an ex-council house on tight suburban site in Dublin

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Alice Clancy

Designed by TAKA Architects, the scheme involves the refurbishment and extension of a small ex-council house on a tight suburban site in Monkstown, Dublin. The clients own an extensive collection of rare palms (almost 30 different species), and a common snapping turtle (one of the largest of its type in the world) which was previously kept in a tank in a garden shed, says the architect. The challenge was how to incorporate these extraordinary things into what was a quite ordinary house.

The body of the original dwelling has been refurbished and reconfigured to accommodate three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. The extension, which contains the main living space, is conceived as a viewing box for the turtle tank and palm garden.

Ground-floor plan and section

A new oak-faced plywood kitchen forms the approach route to the living spaces, terminating with a view through the turtle tank to the garden beyond. Strategically-placed apertures provide mid and high-level views of the surroundings.

The timber cladding is stained dark-blue to complement the green palms, and to allow the illuminated garden views to project into the space. By contrast, the timber structure is left unstained, exposed in places, concealed in others, depending on scenographic needs of the spaces and views.

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