Architects: Courtney McDonnell Architects
Area: 225 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Peter Molloy, Thomas Walorski
Manufacturers: CA Design, Hicken Lighting, Ibstock
Lead Architects: Courtney McDonnell
Design Team: Courtney McDonnell Architects
General Constructing: MSVI Building Contractors
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: David Lynch Engineer
Engineering & Consulting > Quantity Surveying: Christina Casey QS
City: Dublin
Country: Ireland
Griffith Avenue House, a residential project designed by Courtney McDonnell Architects in Dublin, has redefined the spatial and functional quality of a 1950s home through a precise renovation and contemporary extension completed in 2021. The intervention improves spatial flow, enhances indoor-outdoor connection, and incorporates flexible living arrangements for a family returning from the US. Key aspects include the preservation and repurposing of the original front reception rooms into a guest suite, and the insertion of a new side extension that anchors circulation. A reoriented entrance, expressive structural detailing, and strategic light manipulation underscore the design’s careful balance between restoration and innovation. The project culminates in a two-story brick rear extension that houses open-plan living spaces and a master suite, articulated around a light-filled courtyard.
In 2021, Courtney McDonnell Architects was commissioned to renovate and extend a recently purchased 1950s house on Griffith Avenue. The property required extensive upgrades throughout, along with a reconfiguration and expansion to meet the client’s specific brief.
The clients, who had recently relocated from the United States, requested open-plan living with a strong connection to the outdoors, ample spaces for entertaining and social gatherings, a home office, a new front entrance, a master suite, and a separate guest suite for visiting family. The design focused on restoring the property to its original form while incorporating a contemporary extension to improve both functionality and visual character.
The original front reception rooms overlooking Griffith Avenue were preserved and reconfigured as a guest suite to accommodate visiting family members. A new side extension functions as a transitional link between the existing structure and the addition, incorporating a relocated front door now oriented toward the Avenue—the original entrance had been positioned on the gable wall. This space features a large roof light and exposed timber joists that create shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. It also discreetly provides access to the original rooms through concealed paneled doors, leading to a coat closet, guest suite, utility room, and WC.
At the end of the new hallway extension, a white crystal glass door opens into a contemporary two-story brick addition oriented toward the rear garden. The ground floor contains open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas, while the upper floor is dedicated to a master suite. A courtyard at ground level introduces natural light into the core of the layout.
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Project Location
Address: Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9, Dublin, D09, Ireland
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
