Shaped like an open jaw, Dublin Bay was for many centuries a treacherous harbour for sailors, its shallow waters proving a lethal trap. Church towers and lighthouses sprouted up along the shore as beacons of hope, still standing today as poignant reminders of a harsh maritime past. It’s on this coastline, in Sutton, that a 1940s seafront bungalow is embracing its next chapter.
The third generation of their family to live here, the owners (plus their three children and dog) moved home after years abroad and, despite the perfectly liveable condition, decided it was time for an update. Their vision was entrusted to Gareth Brennan of Brennan Furlong Architects and Caroline Flannery of Interiors by Caroline.
‘We do plenty of research into the context of a site, which leads to a story that informs the design as it takes shape,’ says Gareth. The origins of the idea for the new dormer volume in front of the building came from ‘coastal structures and their functions’, he adds. ‘During the day, its window allows one to look out to sea, while at night, it acts almost as a guiding light.’
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Echoing the architecture of nearby piers and jetty steps, exposed concrete was used to build the ground-level extension, housing two bedrooms and a bathroom. The challenge was to create a passageway between the old and newer parts of the house that wouldn’t ‘look like a hotel corridor’.
Two fully glazed ends frame lush greenery and hazy sunshine filters through curved rooflights. ‘The result wasn’t actually something we planned – it was more of a natural evolution of decisions,’ he says.
Ensuring a sense of continuity, concrete extends into the living area where its effect is softened by glass and wood – materials that Gareth and Caroline favour for their ability to create a subconscious sense of calm. ‘When I came in, the house was architectural and contemporary, and the client wanted me to introduce playful elements while preserving some of its original character,’ says Caroline.
A Persian rug, remembered fondly by the client from childhood, was placed in front of the new sculptural staircase. ‘I love the juxtaposition – while the bay window curves out, the staircase looks in,’ says Gareth.
Caroline placed a vintage ‘Falcon’ chair beneath the latter. ‘We had a lot of conversations about that nook, whether someone would actually sit and read a book there,’ says Caroline, but now it’s a coveted spot with everyone vying for a turn in the seat.
The fact that it’s a collectible piece of furniture, destined to be passed down adds to its significance. ‘Like the rug that belonged to the original house and the client’s grandparents, it tells the story of the family and the place.’
Upstairs, while colours are neutral, the furniture is rich in texture. ‘You can imagine what it feels like when the wind is howling and the sea is rough, smacking against the windows,’ says Caroline. ‘It’s like a reassuring refuge.’
The same feeling occurs when you’re looking out to the garden. On certain days, a beautiful uninterrupted view exposes the stark contrast between the drama unfolding outside and the peace inside.
The landscaping, with its own microclimate, was envisioned by Eoin Gibbons. When everyone was imagining a bucolic meadow with wildflowers, Gibbons literally ‘brought the beach from across the road’ by dragging in rocks and boulders. It’s an inspired choice that makes perfect sense, rooting this safe haven into its coastal territory for generations to come. brennanfurlong.ie; interiordesignerdublin.ie
