Bungalow Transformation at Dublin 18

Shared Space: Crafting a Cohesive Family Hub in a bungalow in Dublin 18

One of a row of similar single‑storey dwellings, this home belonging to a young family in Dublin 18, lacked clear circulation, a communal gathering space, and a connection to its long rear garden.

The existing layout of the main house consisted of separate rooms connected via a central corridor while the kitchen, utility, and WC sat at a lower level in the side wing, isolated from the main part of the home. With shared spaces so fragmented, there was no true heart of the home and all the rooms were completely cut off from one of the properties best features, a long garden to the rear.

The brief called for a unified family hub: an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that opens directly onto the garden. Upstairs, three new bedrooms were to be added; downstairs, the former dining room would become a master suite with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe in the old office.

At the rear, a full‑width single‑storey extension now houses a generous family space. Three openings—each aligned with dining, living, and kitchen zones—frame views of the garden and draw light deep into the interior. A rooflight above the kitchen workspace further brightens the heart of the home. A canopy helps control the light while providing shelter from the elements

The main hall was straightened, widened and extended into this new space reinforcing the primary circulation route and making a visual connection from front of the home to the rear garden via a tall glazed door and sidelight. A step down in level in the hallway helps bring the floor level at the rear closer to the garden.

A secondary corridor through the side wing links front to back, housing the more functional rooms with the utility positioned directly off the kitchen for maximum efficiency.

Upstairs the extended roof space and new dormer accommodate three bedrooms and a communal bathroom.