allan . curran . architects
Farmhouse extension, Co. Donegal
This is a site full of history, on a narrow laneway and well away from public roads. There is a two-storey farmhouse and several stone outbuildings in various states of repair. The house and outbuildings hark back to an earlier time when this would have been a busy, working farm, and it’s easy to imagine the different activities that would have taken place here as the seasons changed every year.
Our clients have asked us to extend the house to add in a new living area. This is a site on which the buildings have evolved in response to need and changing purpose. We are keen to acknowledge the existing buildings but also to make a statement with the new addition too.
The extension closes the gap between farmhouse and outbuildings and affords the opportunity to relocate the front door, creating a focal point for the approach along the laneway. Closing the gap creates an irregular floor plan shape, nicely in contrast with the rectangular shape of the existing buildings. In addition, the extension encloses and defines the street in front of the house.
The roof over the single-storey extension will sweep upwards over the main outbuilding and extend to give shade from high summer sun.
Disused stone from old buildings onsite will be recycled into the extension, both inside and outside to strengthen the tie to the past and to help bed the extension into the fabric of the site.
Extensive glazing, level thresholds, and large doors will allow space to flow between inside and outside and take full advantage of both near and far views.
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Testimonials
With regards to the project of renovating and building an extension to our family home, the advice and input from Mr. Allan was excellent regarding involvement with design options and also liaising with Building Control and the Contractor.
Malcolm, Co. FermanaghThe overall Rann Mór Development has been remarkably successful in the last few years. This is in no small way due to the high quality of the design and the professional service provided by Allan Curran Architects Ltd and I look forward to completing the next phase of the development at Rann Mor Meadow to the same high standard.
Daniel Doherty, Managing Director of George Doherty Construction (Irl) LtdI guess building is always a challenging space and your team is critical to the success of the project. Allan Curran Architects have been a wonderful leader on our design team. John, Roci, Julie and Gareth all come with a can-do approach and a great sense of assurance and professionalism. From design to project management and BCMS co-ordination they have shown to be very well organised and always ahead in relation to decision with makes for a smooth transition on site. Their communication is impeccable an in truth very decent, kind and caring team players. I can highly commend and recommend Allan Curran Architects.
Diarmuid O Sullivan, Carrickreagh Developments