TileStyle recently caught up with architect Cameron Lee from Goodwin+Lee Architects to hear the story of how a 1920s terraced cottage has been transformed from uninhabitable into a light filled, spacious home and finalist in RTE's Home of the Year 2024.
TILESTYLE: Can you tell us the story around this build
GOODWIN+LEE: When we first visited the house it was in extremely poor condition with rising damp, rotting structural elements and in need of major repair. The original floor plan was not suitable for modern living. Due to site limitations and house constraints the approach was simple, to create a floor plan whereby the entire ground floor along with the rear patio could be used as one space when entertaining but equally each space has the option of being used individually.
TILESTYLE: What was the client's brief and what did they hope to achieve?
GOODWIN+LEE: The client wanted to open up the original ground floor rooms and fill the home with light and functionality. Storage was key along with a carpark space at the front of the house. The BER rating was critical and was improved from G to A1.
TILESTYLE: What was your brief to TileStyle?
GOODWIN+LEE: The team at TileStyle were a key part of the solution for the bathrooms in this project. We have a strong relationship with TileStyle and trust in their expertise. We showed them the new ground floor layout and asked them to propose the best solution for the bathroom spaces along with suggestions for the downstairs flooring to include living and kitchen areas and the rear patio.
Ensuite bathroom - Shop featured products
Living area - Kahrs Royal Oak Chillon wood flooring
TILESTYLE: What key challenges did TileStyle help you overcome?
GOODWIN+LEE: TileStyle ultimately proposed new bathroom layouts, finishes and the most suitable sanitary ware which really worked and made the most of very tight spaces. The team at TileStyle is excellent at creating uniformity in terms of combining sanitary ware with accessories as so many of their products come from the same 'family' of suppliers. They proposed engineered wood flooring for the living areas and large format floor tiles for the kitchen with matching 2cm paving slabs for the patio area.
Kitchen/ dining area - Ceppo Grey floor tile
This was a deep retrofit and complete renovation project so the client was understandably conscious of the budget. TileStyle were mindful of this throughout and worked within the required budget.
- We managed to create a new downstairs bathroom. The client was keen on dark wall tiles so TileStyle proposed an improved layout for the space and selected sanitary ware and tiles that are ideal for such a tight area. The tiles are ribbed with a glossy finish creating a greater sense of space. We used the same wall tiles in white for the living area which is very impactful. We designed smart timber storage cabinets in the living area which were routed out to suit the ribbed tile finish.
Living area - Kahrs Royal Oak Chillon wood flooring White feature wall tile Bassa Marea Blanco Lucido *Special order please get in touch for details
- The engineered wood flooring in the living area required a step detail down to the kitchen area which TileStyle helped us resolve.
- The circular rooflight over the dining table brings in huge amounts of natural light and creates a unique sun spot on the wall, adding drama which changes shape and intensity throughout the day and seasons.
- Working with the site's orientation, we created different spaces within the home. The front garden benefits from morning sun and features a bistro table and chairs. The afternoon sun lights up the dining area while the kitchen and rear patio are bathed in south-west facing evening sunlight.
Rear patio - Ceppo Grey 2cm paving slabs
About Goodwin+Lee Architects:
From project inception to completion, Goodwin+Lee Architects offer a full range of architectural design, technical and certification services. They will explore and find inventive solutions to design challenges, creating beautiful and functional spaces that improve their clients' lives.
Contact: cameron@goodwinandlee.ie goodwinandlee.ie
Photography by: Paul Burke Photography
