The Old Dispensary

A local landmark in a Dublin village, The Old Dispensary has been brought back into use through repairs and a contemporary extension, to create a comfortable family home.

The 2-storey extension, clad in blackened timber, nestles into the back of the site. The dark cladding echoes the original slate roof, and those of neighbouring properties.  The decorative red brick of the original dwelling and the plain black timber of the extension clearly illustrate old and new. Where the two volumes join, a glazed link forms the entrance hall.

The location of the client’s study, addressing the street, allows an engagement with daily village life whilst working from home.  A southwest facing courtyard to the rear provides private and sheltered external space, onto which the new Kitchen-Dining area opens.

The new first floor bedroom suite includes an en-suite, walk-in wardrobe and a reading loft with views over the village to the Irish Sea.

All works to the original dwelling were undertaken using best conservation principles.  Our client was focused on using renewable energy sources and an air-to-water heat pump and solar panels were installed.  Our client availed of the SEAI Pilot Heat Pump grant for heritage properties.