Design Challenge and Design Ideas

13a Portobello is a compact dwelling inserted into a rear garden plot amongst a Victorian terraced neighbourhood. A novel approach to city living, it is a 2-bedroom infill dwelling on a very restricted site that is designed to provide generosity where required while respecting the privacy and amenity of neighbours. It was granted planning approval without car parking requirements and apartment style external space, unique for the city.
Planning Regulations in Ireland have generally been weighted towards a traditional suburban domesticity of front driveways and rear gardens, or apartment schemes primarily catering for a rental market. With this project, the challenge was to amalgamate these typical typologies, by creating an apartment style dwelling slotted into a brownfield site that could be considered a true home for a young family in this urban setting.

How the brief was fulfilled

13a Portobello was granted permission via an appeal to An Bord Pleanála and therefore subverted some of the typical planning restrictions imposed on new dwellings at the time. We believe it establishes a precedent for a backland/rear garden typology providing an alternative means of home ownership in established areas that are within walkable distance of the city centre and well served by public transport.

Aligned with the principles of ‘Compact Growth’ the design makes use of a site previously containing a derelict garage structure to the rear of an existing property, subdividing a single plot into two dwellings. As a car parking free scheme, the building owners are encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport. The house embraces the concept of a 15-Minute City, given Portobello’s proximity to public transport and the city centre.
Living spaces are contained on the upper floor, availing of roof light, as opportunities for windows were limited due to overlooking restrictions. This connects with a balcony, screened from neighbours but providing light and view to the street. The house floor area is less than 90 square metres, reducing operational costs significantly. Underfloor heating maintains a steady comfort level throughout the house, sourced from an efficient combiboiler system powered by a bank of solar panels on the upper flat roof.

Inspired by the beautiful historic brick detailing of neighbouring buildings, a Flemish brick bond has been used on facades, in a traditional horizontal format interlaced with vertical sections to add a novel twist. The brickwork was thought of as a woven fabric with interlacing details between the horizontal and vertical sections. Contemporary interpretations of classical window heads, parapets and corbels add ornamentation throughout.
Internally, the material palette is economical. The structural steel frame, blockwork walls and roof timbers are exposed, expressed and celebrated where possible. Joinery pieces, warm oak floors and linings are layered upon this frame to add comfort. Custom joinery pieces allow for every corner of the dwelling to be used efficiently and practically. Due to the limitations on internal area, utility and plant functions are housed in an external forecourt.