Birchwood
This single-storey dwelling is situated on a large sloping site between railway and canal, with the bottom of the garden leading directly onto the canal towpath.
![Birchwood elevation through the fence Birchwood elevation through the fence](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-023.jpg)
![Birchwood external elevation in the snow Birchwood external elevation in the snow](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-022-1.jpg)
![Birchwood external elevation timber detail Birchwood external elevation timber detail](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-024.jpg)
![Birchwood, White Kitchen / Living room view with furniture and flowers Birchwood, White Kitchen / Living room view with furniture and flowers](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-029.jpg)
![Birchwood, Living room view with bookshelf Birchwood, Living room view with bookshelf](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-026.jpg)
The architect says, ‘The language of the original house inspired the design of the new dwelling’. The original form was extended towards the rear garden to create a new living space and kitchen in the extension, with external stepped terracing. The plan of the existing house was completely remodeled to create three bedrooms, an en-suite, a bathroom and a study with bespoke library wall allowing views through to the living space.
![Birchwood, white hallway with art and person Birchwood, white hallway with art and person](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-027.jpg)
![Birchwood, white Hallway with person and art Birchwood, white Hallway with person and art](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-028.jpg)
![Bathroom view through external window Bathroom view through external window](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-032.jpg)
![Bathroom unsuite with stone tiling Bathroom unsuite with stone tiling](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-031.jpg)
![Birchwood, architects house model perspective Birchwood, architects house model perspective](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SDOR-UOW-WEB-037.jpg)
All existing windowsill heights were lowered, giving more natural light to the interior but also adding a contemporary feel and complementing the new extension.
![Birchwood](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SDOR-BIRCH-010.jpg)
![Birchwood](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SDOR-BIRCH-009.jpg)
![Birchwood](https://www.siobhandoran.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SDOR-BIRCH-011.jpg)
The palette of materials used externally includes black-stained larch cladding for the extension and decking, grey render and grey-painted timber windows. The zinc downpipes unite the façade, and add an industrial/agricultural ingredient.
Architect: Brian o’ Reilly Architects