Located in Ireland but owing much of its design to inspiration taken from the social housing of Camden, North London, the ‘Normal House’ combines a classic suburban semi-detached home with the daring modernist architecture of inner-city post-war Britain. Armed with a refreshingly straightforward brief; to extend a traditional home outwards to introduce a new kitchen, utility area, and WC, t o b Architect were able to elevate the desired simplicity. 

On the first floor, the extension projects across the rear façade, forming bay window study nooks that transform the previously cramped bedrooms. Internally, ground-floor walls were removed and replaced with large sliding partitions, enhancing flexibility and flow. A high-level roof light at the kitchen-utility junction further enhances natural illumination. Having toured architect Neave Brown’s social housing in London, the clients sought to incorporate elements of his modernist design. Built in block concrete and wrapped in external insulation, the extension plays with depth and weight, with recesses and oblique angles carved into the layered façade, creating a dynamic yet cohesive rear elevation that unmistakably references Cook’s Camden.

Executed by a highly skilled team of builders, the craftsmanship is evident in the home at every level, the exacting attention to detail, diverse use of materials, and refined, calming interiors making this anything but a Normal House. More from t o b Architect.

Photography © t o b Architect