With fashionable finishes such as microcement floors, limewash walls, full-height glazing, and shadow gap lighting, this D18 bungalow is a perfectly turned-out house that has a balanced sense of living space and accommodation, inspired by Australian architect Glenn Murcutt.
In architectural terms, the idea of keeping things simple is a contradiction in terms.
Homes that look simply put-together are usually anything but. All excess has been eliminated.
There is nowhere for fault to lie.
In short, delivering a streamlined space that has just enough soft textures to make it feel homely rather than sterile is way harder than it looks.
Address: Perth, Shanganagh Vale, Cabinteely, Dublin 18, D18 FN3Y
Asking price: €1.1 million
Agent: Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty Dalkey
Thanks to the light touch of Stillorgan-based Paul Byrne Architects Perth, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-storey detached house in Shanganagh Vale, just off the N11 in Dublin 18, has this in spades.
It takes its lead from Australian design, in particular the work of pioneering architect and Pritzker Prize winner Glenn Murcutt, who influenced Byrne, explains senior architect Mark Poland.
The property’s living spaces are oriented towards the sun, while the sleeping quarters are on the northern side.
Constructed in the back garden of one of the original houses, it is fittingly called Perth, a city that prides itself on its sunshine and outdoor living culture.
Hidden behind electronic gates, where there is off-street parking for two cars, it has a very natural connection to its outdoors, where the garden is a mix of paved terraces, an outdoor kitchen area and a small lawn.
Steps lead up to the kitchen.
The newly constructed A2 BER-rated detached bungalow delivers about 142 square metres of space.
The entrance hall is the divider between the property’s living and accommodation areas.
Set to the right, where it takes advantage of the south-facing aspect, this space runs the depth of the house and opens into the kitchen.
A full wall of glass frames the landscaped garden and a mature tree that is in the garden next door.
While newly built, it makes the space feel established.
There’s a large island to the left with deep drawers and a counter, bookended by full-height units along the back wall.
There’s a utility and a separate pantry off this part of the room.
A dining table is set perpendicular to the island so diners can see and talk to whoever is preparing food at the island.
There’s a microcement floor underfoot, warmed by underfloor heating.
Large sliding doors open to steps that lead down to the paved terraced garden.
A steel-and-glass wall divides the kitchen from the dual-aspect lounge while allowing light through. It’s double doors fold back to open into one room to the other.
This room has oak window seating along two sides with deep drawer storage below.
Its sofas are set opposite each other with an insert stove that burns bioethanol set into a faux chimney breast.
This is picked out in a Bauwerk limewash paint that is also used on feature walls in the bedrooms. A discreet Sonos surround sound system makes this also a listening suite for audiophiles.
Down the hall, there are three double bedrooms.
The principal has an ensuite bathroom whose concrete and deep grey palette is lifted by the use of pale oak detailing.
The family bathroom is dark and moody.
It features a free-standing back bath and a black shower frame with deep agate green tiling.
Outside, there is Siberian larch panelling, a rainwater harvesting system, polished concrete outdoor cooking areas and remotely operated gates.
Extending to 142 square metres, the property comes to market with planning for a first-floor extension designed by Ceardean Architects.
The reference D24B/0318/WEB will add two further bedrooms to the property.
Agents Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty Dalkey is seeking €1.1 million for the A-rated house.
