Glass Ribbon House Extension in Dublin by Scullion Architects.

Scullion Architects’ glazed extension to a traditional Dublin home celebrates the historical details of the original 1930s house while injecting the project with a contemporary expression. Thin black mullions form a repetitive rhythm across the new rear façade, simultaneously mirroring the homes’ existing language while injecting a sophisticated, modern voice.

Architects detail the many phases the home has already experienced, describing years of poor alterations and additions to the 315 square metre property. However, it’s best assets, the triangular south-facing garden and well-proportioned remaining were harnessed in the extension. New rooms unfold with a refined and delicate feel, sitting in direct contrast to the existing home’s solid form.

“The glazed extension, modelled on a traditional conservatory or sun parlour, is a thin steel-framed wrapper that houses dining areas, a study and a route linking a drawing-room via a small lightwell,” outline the architects.

Giving the project its name, the ‘ribbon of glass’ that is now draped along the site’s southern face invites warm sunlight deep into the home. Living spaces come alive with dancing shadows caused by light squeezing through newly installed gridded timber panels. The boundary between the interior and exterior becomes blurred – panoramic views of the surrounding garden now invited into occupants’ daily lives.

Scalloped timber linings, an oak stairwell, and panelled hallway have been custom designed, and are “intended to appear such that one can imagine that they have always been a part of the house”, explain Scullion Architects.

The design is sensitive to the building’s existing features. The original materiality is retained where possible, and in cases where it was not, new elements were chosen based on what would have been. The respectful design approach is what has ultimately ensured the success of the project, a notion perfectly captured in the architect’s description – “The original house has been given its soul back through careful attention paid to the restoration of the original features, with an almost imperceptible transition from the old into the new.”

[Images courtesy of Scullion Architects. Photography by Aisling McCoy.]