architecture republic: plastic house

'plastic house' by architecture republic in dublin, ireland
all images courtesy of architecture republic


'plastic house' by irish firm architecture republic is a renovation project on a residential house
in dublin, ireland. the design creates new space by adding a cruciform constructed out
of polycarbonate and steel at the core of the dwelling.



kitchen and mezzanine


the house sits on a terraced site, whose split-section layout is native to the area: a large open
space to the front, with smaller rooms to the rear at a half-level difference. the project began
by leveling out the interior by extensive removal of the existing extension, internal walls
and earth. the result was a more open, double-height volume.



kitchen and dining area


the tree-like cruciform object is treated as a piece of architectural furniture: the trunk houses
a number of services such as kitchen, toilet, storage and stairwell. above this, a branch-like
platform is created for sleeping, dressing, and studying. individual 'branches' spans to
the walls and become different functions: two becomes wardrobes to the sides, one becomes
an office area, another cantilevers two meters beyond the rear wall to accommodate
a shower room with a glazed ceiling.



upper platform



wardrobe and dressing area



shower room with skylight



washroom



living area



cantilevered study from the outside



(left) exit
(right) street front



window view



model