Comeragh Conversion

Situated on the southern periphery of Clonmel Town, the narrow yet elevated site at Old Spa Road offered panoramic views of the Comeragh Mountains from the rear of the site. A dated two-storey 1970’s dwelling is located to the front region of the site whilst a long sloped rear garden occupies approximately two thirds of the site area. The back garden and rear of the dwelling are south facing as such, there was significant potential for creating a light filled contemporary addition to the rear and side of the structure.

A wooden valley is located between the elevated site and the scenic sloped banks of the nearby Comeragh Mountains. There are panoramic views of the vast east-west plunging valley and mountainous scenery in the background. A vernacular conservatory-style extension consisting of a conservatory, bathroom and porch was added to the rear and side of the dwelling during the 1980’s. The remodelled interior and poorly designed extension basically decimated the levels of natural light throughout the living, kitchen and dining areas on the ground floor plan. As a result of the above, the splendid panoramic views that were formerly enjoyed became non-existent.

The well intentioned 23 square meter extension was duly demolished together with a bathroom and a porch and replaced by a 21st century one-storey 47 square meter open plan addition. The finished design includes an open plan kitchen, living and dining area plus a remodelled zone to include a playroom (with access from the kitchen). The ground floor layout was altered and remodelled to include a new playroom, an elegant and private lounge and a new bathroom and utility space in the location of a sunken garage.

The new centrally located kitchen forms a strong link between the entrance hallway, living and dining areas. There was a clear emphasis in forming and framing both direct and glimpse views to the south facing garden, wooden valley and mountains. We utilized ecological materials mainly in the form of high-grade softwood as the primary structure throughout the extension. The cladding material is treated Siberian larch which gives an aesthetic contrast to the render and brick finish to the exterior of the dwelling. We created a terraced garden area to include a decking area, limestone steps, seating zones and grass planes.