An existing dormer building is re-structured as a permeable light box. Removing the old dormer windows a three and a half storey block is locked onto the top of the refurbished building. The new block provides a series of duplex and triplex units in the form of vertical houses. The block is carved out to form terraces, gardens and winter gardens, a multifaceted version of the traditional back garden where it divided and distributed to provide a range of uses and experiences. Conceptually comfortable houses are placed in a city centre location with three or four sided views over the city and green pockets acting as breathing space. Continuing the sense of rural life in an urban setting allotments are available to residents. The apartments wrap around a central circulation corridor providing single and double height space within each unit. The new block is wrapped in a light glass skin, the deep structural mullions emphasise the play of light and privacy. Externally gardens push down into the walls of the existing building interlocking the two blocks into a single but distinct unity.

Scale : 1 100 m2
Category: Housing
Stage: On-going
Location: Church Street, Dublin 1