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McNevin Design Dublin
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Pro Spotlight: How to Build an Extension That Works for You
Forget maxing out! Design an extension that suits your needs and doesn’t eat into your garden, says this architect
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Who: Graham McNevin, Principal Architect at McNevin Design
Where: Dublin
In his words: “Working with an architect ensures you don’t go with the easy option, but the right option for you, the location and the budget.”
Creating additional space in our homes continues to be a big focus for many owners, particularly those who are spending more time working or entertaining at home. However, planning the right type of extension that suits your needs and budget can be a minefield. That’s where an experienced architect can help.
“Some people are reluctant to work with an architect, as they think it’s going to be a daunting and expensive experience. However, it’s quite the contrary,” Graham McNevin of McNevin Design says. “An architect can, in fact, save you money, as they’re trained to see the best option for you that will stay within budget.
“We’re often the eyes and ears between the client and builder, helping to avoid costly mistakes and potential disputes,” says Graham, who works on residential projects in and around Dublin. “Clients are often afraid to ask builders what they think might be silly questions, and this can lead to a breakdown in communication. As the architect, we represent the client and address all the client’s concerns. I don’t believe any question is silly when it comes to designing your dream home.”
Read on to discover Graham’s top tips for planning an extension.
Where: Dublin
In his words: “Working with an architect ensures you don’t go with the easy option, but the right option for you, the location and the budget.”
Creating additional space in our homes continues to be a big focus for many owners, particularly those who are spending more time working or entertaining at home. However, planning the right type of extension that suits your needs and budget can be a minefield. That’s where an experienced architect can help.
“Some people are reluctant to work with an architect, as they think it’s going to be a daunting and expensive experience. However, it’s quite the contrary,” Graham McNevin of McNevin Design says. “An architect can, in fact, save you money, as they’re trained to see the best option for you that will stay within budget.
“We’re often the eyes and ears between the client and builder, helping to avoid costly mistakes and potential disputes,” says Graham, who works on residential projects in and around Dublin. “Clients are often afraid to ask builders what they think might be silly questions, and this can lead to a breakdown in communication. As the architect, we represent the client and address all the client’s concerns. I don’t believe any question is silly when it comes to designing your dream home.”
Read on to discover Graham’s top tips for planning an extension.
Starting out
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Graham started out as an architectural technician, which helped him develop a deep knowledge of building construction.
“I’ve always been interested in the how and the why,” he says. “From a very young age I was breaking open my toys to see how they worked and why they worked that way. This never left me. Working in the industry for so long, I was surrounded by so many talented architects, I found myself being immersed in a designer’s world and found I was enjoying it. I then formally trained to become a registered architect.”
Transferring his skills to residential architectural design was a natural progression. “I love the journey from the first meeting with clients, where you discover their likes, dislikes and vision, to sharing our own vision for the project,” Graham says.
“Quite often, your vision and the client’s vision can be different,” he continues. “So you go on this journey through the design process, where you draw, refine, draw, refine, until designer and client are on the same page. The journey then moves through the processes, whether it be
planning, tender or construction.
“It never gets old seeing a rundown house needing TLC turning into a better version of itself,” he says, “or a piece of land turning into a family’s dream home.”
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Graham started out as an architectural technician, which helped him develop a deep knowledge of building construction.
“I’ve always been interested in the how and the why,” he says. “From a very young age I was breaking open my toys to see how they worked and why they worked that way. This never left me. Working in the industry for so long, I was surrounded by so many talented architects, I found myself being immersed in a designer’s world and found I was enjoying it. I then formally trained to become a registered architect.”
Transferring his skills to residential architectural design was a natural progression. “I love the journey from the first meeting with clients, where you discover their likes, dislikes and vision, to sharing our own vision for the project,” Graham says.
“Quite often, your vision and the client’s vision can be different,” he continues. “So you go on this journey through the design process, where you draw, refine, draw, refine, until designer and client are on the same page. The journey then moves through the processes, whether it be
planning, tender or construction.
“It never gets old seeing a rundown house needing TLC turning into a better version of itself,” he says, “or a piece of land turning into a family’s dream home.”
Designing with you and the planet in mind
Whether he’s extending or refurbishing an existing home, or working on a new property from scratch, there are two main principles Graham sticks to on every project. The first is to design spaces that solve problems or issues specifically for the owners. “I always say to clients, don’t try to design an ornament; it’s a home and it should suit your family’s dynamics and lifestyle,” he says.
Secondly, he always strives to include sustainable elements in his projects to ensure his builds tread lightly on the planet. “Eco and sustainable elements should always be at the front and centre of any new build or home extension, so the project meets the current standards of energy efficiency,” he says.
“Where budget and constraints allow, we aim to create eco-friendly buildings that are airtight and address internal ventilation to encourage healthy homes,” he says. “We sometimes include solar panels and renewable heat pumps, too.”
Here, Graham shares his thoughts on what else to consider when planning an extension:
Whether he’s extending or refurbishing an existing home, or working on a new property from scratch, there are two main principles Graham sticks to on every project. The first is to design spaces that solve problems or issues specifically for the owners. “I always say to clients, don’t try to design an ornament; it’s a home and it should suit your family’s dynamics and lifestyle,” he says.
Secondly, he always strives to include sustainable elements in his projects to ensure his builds tread lightly on the planet. “Eco and sustainable elements should always be at the front and centre of any new build or home extension, so the project meets the current standards of energy efficiency,” he says.
“Where budget and constraints allow, we aim to create eco-friendly buildings that are airtight and address internal ventilation to encourage healthy homes,” he says. “We sometimes include solar panels and renewable heat pumps, too.”
Here, Graham shares his thoughts on what else to consider when planning an extension:
Tip 1: Bigger isn’t always better
It might seem obvious, but when it comes to improving and extending your home, you and your family’s needs, not the size of the extension, should be the focus.
“The knee-jerk reaction from many clients is, ‘I can build up to 40 sq m without planning [permission], so that’s what we should do.’ However, I always say it’s important to look at what space you have and how you can try to improve it,” Graham says. “If knocking down a wall or extending the space is what it needs, great, but it might not be the only option. I try to explain the pitfalls of going too big, such as loosing valuable outdoor space, which can affect a home’s saleability.”
The rear of this house in Templeogue, Dublin, was actually only extended by around 10 sq m. However, the impact on the transition between indoor and outdoor areas was substantial. Bifold doors were combined with a contemporary oriel window seat to create a seamless connection with the garden, while just enough space was added for a dining area.
“Small tweaks to layouts can be cost-effective and create real quality space – and, as we know, quality trumps quantity every time,” Graham says.
See more of this project.
It might seem obvious, but when it comes to improving and extending your home, you and your family’s needs, not the size of the extension, should be the focus.
“The knee-jerk reaction from many clients is, ‘I can build up to 40 sq m without planning [permission], so that’s what we should do.’ However, I always say it’s important to look at what space you have and how you can try to improve it,” Graham says. “If knocking down a wall or extending the space is what it needs, great, but it might not be the only option. I try to explain the pitfalls of going too big, such as loosing valuable outdoor space, which can affect a home’s saleability.”
The rear of this house in Templeogue, Dublin, was actually only extended by around 10 sq m. However, the impact on the transition between indoor and outdoor areas was substantial. Bifold doors were combined with a contemporary oriel window seat to create a seamless connection with the garden, while just enough space was added for a dining area.
“Small tweaks to layouts can be cost-effective and create real quality space – and, as we know, quality trumps quantity every time,” Graham says.
See more of this project.
Tip 2: Keep an open mind
Being flexible about the design should apply to the architect and client alike. “Too many people, on both sides of a project, try to shoehorn in pre-desired ideas, which are often impractical for the budget or constraints of the building,” Graham says. “On all projects, I make sure I have an open mind when it comes to design and listen to the people around me. You never know whether something a colleague or the client might say could be the missing piece of the jigsaw.”
This is exactly what happened on this renovation project in Dublin. The clients pushed for a dark tone for their home’s exterior, while Graham wasn’t sure. “I wouldn’t have chosen this exterior colour,” he says. “However, it’s worked incredibly well to set this house apart and create a stylish impression. The clients could have played it safe, but instead, we worked to refine their bold ideas and the result is a chic finish that adds depth and variation to the facade.
“Being too rigid in your outlook can hold you back, and I can say now that I design nothing on my own,” he says. “It’s always a collaboration between myself and the design team, but most importantly the client, who shapes the design. Sometimes it’s challenging, but that’s what I like. It’s important to push yourself and, in turn, your contractor to the limit.”
See more of this project.
Being flexible about the design should apply to the architect and client alike. “Too many people, on both sides of a project, try to shoehorn in pre-desired ideas, which are often impractical for the budget or constraints of the building,” Graham says. “On all projects, I make sure I have an open mind when it comes to design and listen to the people around me. You never know whether something a colleague or the client might say could be the missing piece of the jigsaw.”
This is exactly what happened on this renovation project in Dublin. The clients pushed for a dark tone for their home’s exterior, while Graham wasn’t sure. “I wouldn’t have chosen this exterior colour,” he says. “However, it’s worked incredibly well to set this house apart and create a stylish impression. The clients could have played it safe, but instead, we worked to refine their bold ideas and the result is a chic finish that adds depth and variation to the facade.
“Being too rigid in your outlook can hold you back, and I can say now that I design nothing on my own,” he says. “It’s always a collaboration between myself and the design team, but most importantly the client, who shapes the design. Sometimes it’s challenging, but that’s what I like. It’s important to push yourself and, in turn, your contractor to the limit.”
See more of this project.
Tip 3: Get the bones of the existing house right first
You might be keen to extend and create more space for your family, but it’s crucial to look at the existing house first and ensure it not only meets your needs, but also 21st century requirements. Graham suggests you should “get the fundamentals right first. Then, if you want to extend, you can do it knowing the existing house will complement the modern extension in terms of efficiency.”
He advises his clients to consider how old the wiring and heating systems are; if there’s suitable insulation; the state of the windows, and whether there’s damp or mould. “My advice is, if the budget doesn’t stretch to extending as well as upgrading the existing building, make the old house the priority, so you can always come back to the extension knowing the existing house has been rewired and replumbed, and is free of damp and mould,” he says.
In this 1900s period terrace, Graham was asked to add a glazed extension on the back of the house to expand the small kitchen. However, he first addressed the period home’s awkward layout, opening up small rooms to make it work for the family, while also retaining its original character. “Once we’d finished the house’s refurb, we turned our attention to the modern extension,” he says, “where we added plenty of glazing to let in light, but also included bare brickwork for a nod to the building’s heritage.”
See more of this project.
More: Visit McNevin Design’s Houzz profile for more information on its services and projects.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Tell us…
Have these tips made you think twice about your extension plans? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
You might be keen to extend and create more space for your family, but it’s crucial to look at the existing house first and ensure it not only meets your needs, but also 21st century requirements. Graham suggests you should “get the fundamentals right first. Then, if you want to extend, you can do it knowing the existing house will complement the modern extension in terms of efficiency.”
He advises his clients to consider how old the wiring and heating systems are; if there’s suitable insulation; the state of the windows, and whether there’s damp or mould. “My advice is, if the budget doesn’t stretch to extending as well as upgrading the existing building, make the old house the priority, so you can always come back to the extension knowing the existing house has been rewired and replumbed, and is free of damp and mould,” he says.
In this 1900s period terrace, Graham was asked to add a glazed extension on the back of the house to expand the small kitchen. However, he first addressed the period home’s awkward layout, opening up small rooms to make it work for the family, while also retaining its original character. “Once we’d finished the house’s refurb, we turned our attention to the modern extension,” he says, “where we added plenty of glazing to let in light, but also included bare brickwork for a nod to the building’s heritage.”
See more of this project.
More: Visit McNevin Design’s Houzz profile for more information on its services and projects.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Tell us…
Have these tips made you think twice about your extension plans? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
McNevin Architecture is a Dublin based design practice, that predominantly work on projects in Leinster, but have... Read More
Review by HU-793944758:
We worked with Graham recently and found him to be very Excellent professional service from Graham. Highly recommend. Would most certainly use his services again.
Really informative regarding what hiring an architect can help you with, not just the design, but liaising with builders too
Great read - these tips are super useful!
Thanks for this. It's very useful to read a real professional point of view.