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Strategies for Sustainable Home Design

Making more of less

Depending on your point of view, bungalows are either a cherished affordable house type that allowed homeowners of the 1970s the chance to realise the dream of owning their own home or the result of poor planning and insensitive sprawl, as epitomised by the cookie cutter designs of “Bungalow Bliss” which sold over a quarter-of-a-million copies; roughly one for every second household in the countryside. Times are changing, and as families grow, we increase our understanding of the environmental and financial costs of heating a home, and as lifestyles evolve, the need for additional space and adapting these dwellings becomes inevitable. Adapting these structures and embracing modernity doesn’t mean knocking them down and starting again. The concept of extending bungalows into contemporary dormer houses is gaining popularity. Here we explore the exciting opportunities of extending bungalows on tricky sites, offering a fresh perspective on creating modern dormer houses in Ireland. Utilising Challenging Terrain Ireland's diverse topography often presents architects with tricky sites. From sloping terrain to irregularly shaped plots, these challenges can be turned into design assets. Dormer houses perfectly adapt to such sites, as their design accommodates varying elevations and allows for creative use of space. By integrating well-planned dormers into the extension, architects can exploit the unique terrain to create stunning living spaces that embrace the beauty of the surroundings. Capturing Natural Light One of the standout features of dormer houses is their ability to maximise natural light. In Ireland, where weather patterns can be unpredictable, capturing ample sunlight is invaluable. Through careful positioning of dormer windows, skylights, and glazed walls, we can find ways to bathe the extended bungalow in natural light throughout the day. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of openness and connection with nature. Expanding Living Space The primary motivation behind extending a bungalow is to increase living space. Modern dormer houses take full advantage of this opportunity by offering versatile and spacious interiors. Homeowners can embrace open-plan layouts that seamlessly blend the old and new sections of the house. The addition of dormer windows and vaulted ceilings creates the illusion of more space and fosters an inviting atmosphere. Adapting to Growing Families As families grow, their needs evolve. Dormer houses provide a solution for growing families by offering additional bedrooms and living areas. This adaptability ensures that the extended bungalow remains a practical and cherished home for generations to come. We can strategically plan the layout to provide privacy and comfort, balancing communal and private spaces. Sustainable Design Choices In creating a modern-dormer house, there is the opportunity to incorporate sustainable design practises. By using energy-efficient materials and technologies, we can create eco-friendly extensions that blend seamlessly with the existing bungalow. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, can be integrated into the roof design, contributing to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Embracing Contemporary Aesthetics While preserving the charm of the original bungalow, the extension can embrace contemporary aesthetics. Modern dormer houses can feature clean lines, minimalist facades, and a mix of materials like wood, stone, and metal. The incorporation of natural elements ensures that the extension blends harmoniously with the Irish landscape, creating a visually stunning architectural masterpiece. Conclusion Extending bungalows on tricky sites to create modern dormer houses opens up a world of possibilities for homeowners. By thoughtfully integrating dormer windows, maximising natural light, and embracing sustainable design practises, these extensions can become unique and practical living spaces that cater to evolving family needs. As the demand for more space and modern living solutions continues to grow, the transformation of traditional bungalows into contemporary dormer houses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the architectural landscape of Ireland.

House extensions in Dublin can come with some challenges, including the cost of the work, the challenges of finding good contractors, unforeseen costs associated with working on existing buildings, and the cost and benefits of improving the energy performance of the house, but don't worry, you're not on your own and your architect can guide you through the process.

Breathable wall construction is an important aspect of building design that can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of those living or working in the building. By allowing moisture to pass through the walls, or for this movement to be controlled, it helps to prevent mould growth, improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs, and increase the durability of the building.

The article discusses the importance of designing homes that are accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Accessibility includes features such as wide doorways, no-step entrances, easy-to-use controls, good lighting, easy-to-reach storage, and slip-resistant flooring. It also includes safety concerns such as emergency evacuation and easy-to-clean spaces. The article emphasizes the importance of designing homes that are inclusive, functional, and safe for everyone, regardless of their abilities, and encourages people to make a conscious effort to create accessible houses for everyone.

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Sustainability has become an important part of conserving global resources and reducing carbon footprints. It is no longer seen as a fad but more of a global necessity as we try to protect our planet. The use of resources has become increasingly part of the conversation. Whilst the advocates of sustainable living have been at pains to instil a sense of alarm and for us to take action now, the recent hyper inflation and the measures employed by governments to achieve their carbon reduction pledges are resulting in actual action. Sustainable housing is much more than just about energy efficiency. It's about finding the right balance between using energy and using natural resources, while being mindful of both current and future generations. It’s about health as well as environmental impact, and in a way, the health of the building, the created environment, and that of the occupants are all interlinked. Sustainable architecture takes into account the existing building fabric and finds ways to enhance and reuse it rather than replacing it. This can mean anything from adding insulation to old walls, to making sure that the seals and perimeters of windows are airtight and avoiding leakage. If you are thinking about upgrading your own house some of the grants available from SEAI will certainly make the process more affordable. New technologies play an important role – as long as they are applied in a responsible manner and the consequences are understood. There are a lot of ways to make a home more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run. Recycled bricks, wood, and solar panels can all be used to make a home more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run. On nearly every project that we are working on, clients are opting for heat pumps as a sustainable and price predictable way of heating their houses. Embodied carbon, the carbon cost of materials, processing, waste, and their delivery to site are factors that are all being assessed in the measure of environmentally friendly architecture and local materials and design philosophies are key to sustainable projects such as our award winning house at Wheatley's Eyot.