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