case study
colder because we just don’t use it as much.” The connection between old and new was an important one, and to make it seamless they decided to retile the floor. “We chose tiles that resembled what was originally in the kitchen and dining hall.” The rectangular layout helped with the furniture and design but it took them time to find the sofa. “We went to so many places and couldn’t find one that would fit,” recalls Ciara. “We ended up getting one made to our specifications. It’s U-shaped and fits perfectly. Purple in colour it gives a charge to the room, I really like it.” Connection to the garden from the new sun room is via bi-fold doors. “With boys in the house the garden consists of a football/rugby pitch! We added a patio area with BBQ to enjoy the good weather when we get it. There is a glass screen for shelter though!” While they didn’t extend by much in floor area, approximately 120 sqft (10 sqm), the transformation couldn’t have been any more dramatic. So much so that it spurred them on to do more work on the house! “We’ve started doing up the other rooms, and changed all of the internal doors,” says Ciara. “It takes so long to get everything done the way we want it, we run out of steam every so often, take a rest, and then start again. I doubt we’ll ever be finished but we’re taking our time and enjoying the process.” n
Orginal Ground Floor
New Ground Floor
Astrid Madsen Plot size: 1/3 acre House size: 3,750 sqft Build cost: £80,000 including main building works and kitchen were unable to visualise it so James learned how to use Google Sketch Up to model the room and it was brilliant to see it in 3D. It became clear we could corner off a walk-in wardrobe to hide the flat ceiling,” she says.
Fruits of labour
Despite the apparently minimal changes on the floor plan, the renovation made a huge difference in terms of style and comfort. “The house is definitely warmer and we are using less oil,” states Ciara. “The wood burning stove makes the living area really cosy. This part of the house is warmer than the rest, or at least the rest of the house seems
Build Spec
Construction: steel beams, brickwork to match existing, zinc standing seam roof and walls, timber frame with external cement board on walls and painted smooth render. Insulation: 60mm phenolic board insulation on walls within timber frame construction and 60mm phenolic board over studwork, roof 100mm PIR between rafters with 37.5mm insulated (PIR) plasterboard underneath, floor 100mm PIR. U-values: floor 0.15W/sqmK, roof and walls 0.18W/sqmK Windows: triple glazed alu-clad, U-value of units 0.79 W/sqmK; bi-fold doors 1.2W/sqmK
info The companies listed below provide products & services relating to this article. Architect Wilson McMullen Architects, Portrush, Co Antrim, tel. 7082 5865, mobile 07966198691, www.wilsonmcmullen.com Builders Gary Corrigan, Portrush, Co Antrim, mobile 07707132099 Garth Henry, Portrush, Co Antrim, mobile 07860508353
Structural Engineer Practical Structures, Belfast, tel. 9028 3060, www.practicalstructures.co.uk Insulation Kingspan Insulation, floor and roof Therma series, walls K12, www.kingspaninsulation.ie Kitchen Johanna Montgomery Designs, Ballymena, Co Antrim, tel. 21758400, www.johannamontgomerydesigns.co.uk
Windows & Doors Supplied by Feneco Systems, Coleraine, Co Derry, tel. 702 20002, www.fenecosystems.com. Windows Internorm Timber / Aluminium composite triple glazed Studio HF 310, bi-fold doors Sunfold SFK70 triple glazed. Photography Paul Lindsay www.paullindsayphoto.co.uk
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