Residential architects in Ireland
Bespoke extensions and renovations for the way you live
Ō Droma Design Development creates thoughtful residential architecture for homeowners in Ireland, with a focus on extending, renovating and rethinking existing homes.
From a contemporary addition to a Victorian farmhouse in Westmeath to the transformation of a split-level bungalow in Kinsale, our work explores how an existing building can accommodate a different way of living while retaining its individual character. Whether you need more space for a growing family or want to reconsider the layout of your home, we begin with what you have, what you need and the possibilities of the building.
More space, or a better use of the space you have?
An extension is one way to change a home, but it is not the only starting point. The first question is what needs to work differently.
You may want a kitchen that connects more naturally with the rest of the house, additional accommodation for family life, or a clearer relationship between existing rooms and new spaces. Understanding those priorities helps shape the brief before settling on a design.
Our approach considers the original building and proposed changes together, rather than treating an extension or renovation as an isolated addition.
Westmeath Farmhouse: room for a growing family
At Westmeath Farmhouse, the brief was to create a substantial modern addition to a Victorian farmhouse while respecting the character of the original building and its rural surroundings.
The single-storey extension takes its pitched-roof form from the farmhouse and neighbouring outbuildings, interpreting it with sharper edges and contemporary detailing. White silicone render and a natural zinc standing-seam roof contrast with the older house’s rough render and slate without dominating it. Despite the additional floor area, the extension is barely visible from the road.
The project demonstrates an approach to extending an older home: understanding the existing architecture, then making deliberate choices about where the new work should echo it and where it should differ.
Haven Hill: transforming a split-level bungalow in Kinsale
Haven Hill is a residential transformation and retrofit of a split-level bungalow in Kinsale, County Cork, overlooking the River Bandon estuary. It provides a second Irish example of the practice’s work with existing homes.
Renovating and rethinking an existing home
Renovation starts with understanding the building as it is: how its spaces connect, what gives it character and where it no longer meets your needs.
For an existing house or bungalow, the brief may involve reconsidering the layout, adapting accommodation or bringing separate changes into a more coherent whole. The design should respond to the particular home—not apply the same solution to every property.
An individual brief for your home
A useful brief describes more than the rooms you want to add. It explains how you live now and what you want the project to make possible. For our initial conversation, start here:
Where the property is located.
What type of home you have.
What currently works and what does not.
Whether you are considering an extension, renovation or both.
Your approximate budget and intended timescale.
Any information you already have, such as photographs, plans or previous proposals.
You do not need to arrive with a finished design. The starting point is understanding your priorities and discussing the project’s scope.
Questions about extending or renovating your home
Can you design a contemporary extension to an older house?
Our Westmeath Farmhouse project illustrates this approach. Its contemporary addition draws on traditional pitched-roof forms while using different materials and detailing, creating a clear relationship between the original farmhouse and the new accommodation.
Do you work on bungalow renovations?
Haven Hill in Kinsale is an example of the practice’s work transforming an existing split-level bungalow. Share the location and scope of your proposed project so we can discuss whether it is a suitable fit.
Should I renovate, extend or do both?
That depends on what the existing building can accommodate and what you want to change. Begin with the problems you need to solve rather than committing immediately to a particular size or form of extension.
What should I send with an enquiry?
A short description of the property, its location, your priorities, approximate budget and intended timescale is a useful starting point. Or simply give us a call to discuss the details. We look forward to hearing from you.
Discuss your residential project in Ireland
Considering a house extension, renovation or a new direction for an existing home? Tell us about the property and what you would like to change.
