Concept
An essential part of the design and planning concept for disability use is the retention of the existing family home and its integration with the proposed extension. As can be seen in the 3D images, the existing single-storey house is to be comprehensively refurbished in keeping with the contemporary appearance and external finishes of the extension. This responds to the concerns of the relevant planning department about a two-storey extension to a single-storey building. The intention is that the single-storey building will read, if not as an extension to the larger building, then as an integral part of it. This integration is further enhanced by breaking the extension visually into two parts of different heights and linking the refurbished single-storey house with the 1 ½ storey part of the extension. The area of the existing house is 114sqm and the proposed two-storey extension is 342sqm bring the total area to 456sqm of habitable space and 53sqm for garage & shed.
Designing for Disability
The built concept will result in a seamless connection between living in the existing house and the new extension and integrate indoor and outdoor space. The complete integration of provision for physical disability is intended to ensure the disabled person’s independent living entitlement. This is achieved by designing the apparatuses and technology required for such a disability into the background, for example recessing tracking for hoist equipment, creating a glass lift casing with an open cab at the first floor for visual and acoustic connectivity, etc. The standard clinical look of the hydrotherapy pool and it’s access hoists have been designed out creating elegant homely environments with natural sun-light penetrating into the spaces through roof-lights and satin glass.
Special attention has been given to transparency and the connections between different parts of the house, both visual and physical. It is recognized that the general well-being is dependent on natural light and openness generating safety through ease of surveillance. Connectivity is generated physically through corridor spaces and visually through glazing surfaces.
Designing With Technologies for Disability
Special building automation technologies were integrated into the building design to give full independence to the disability user. This permits use of the lift, windows, intercom services as well as control of interior enviromental ambience and lighting.
Link to public website: http://193.178.30.69/planningenquiry_merge/MainFrames.aspx
Design Team
EPA upgrade & Structural Engineering – PJ Brett of Brett Assocciates, Nenagh, www.pba.ie
Electrical & Mechanical Engineering – Fahey O’Riordan Consulting Engineers, www.force.ie
Quantity Surveyors – Aidan Walsh of Bruce Shaw Partners, Limerick www.bruceshaw.com
Landscape Architect – Bernard Seymour of Bernard Seymour Landscape Architects www.bslarch.com
Planning permission received 2011 – Planning ref. no. 11510224
