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Collection by David Rudin

With a Bright Plywood Extension, This May Be the Least Stuffy Victorian Ever

Prism-like wood and glass panels replace a musty conservatory in Dublin.

In Victorian homes, conservatories were originally meant to be sources of light and connection with the outdoors. But what if they didn’t bring in enough light? In Dublin, Ireland, NOJI Architects designed an extension that replaced a Victorian home’s gloomy, old conservatory. Built out of plywood beams arranged in a diagonal grid form and filled with bespoke fittings by OIKOS Furniture, the extension houses an open-plan kitchen and dining area that is bathed in light. The plywood structure, which was partially prefabricated, minimized cost as well as the environmental impact of on-site installation.

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The rear extension, which replaced a somber conservatory, is composed of a series of intersecting triangular planes that draw light into the home. Transitioning from the extension to the garden, chairs and a table by Ikea sit on the cedar-clad deck. In the garden, a bespoke bench by OIKOS Furniture is perched above the granite paving stones.
The rear extension, which replaced a somber conservatory, is composed of a series of intersecting triangular planes that draw light into the home. Transitioning from the extension to the garden, chairs and a table by Ikea sit on the cedar-clad deck. In the garden, a bespoke bench by OIKOS Furniture is perched above the granite paving stones.
A custom OIKOS Furniture window seat is nestled between the extension’s large windows and its latticework structure. Built out of glue-laminated plywood beams, the extension’s diagonal grid provides structural support and visual interest.
A custom OIKOS Furniture window seat is nestled between the extension’s large windows and its latticework structure. Built out of glue-laminated plywood beams, the extension’s diagonal grid provides structural support and visual interest.
NOJI’s extension houses a brand new kitchen that is anchored by Oikos Furniture cabinetry and a basalt volcanic stone countertop. The kitchen’s fired earth tile backsplash stands out against its plywood surroundings. The island features a Franke sink and Quooker faucet.
NOJI’s extension houses a brand new kitchen that is anchored by Oikos Furniture cabinetry and a basalt volcanic stone countertop. The kitchen’s fired earth tile backsplash stands out against its plywood surroundings. The island features a Franke sink and Quooker faucet.
Abutting the kitchen, the owners’ existing dining chairs, table, and bench have found a new home beneath the extension’s glass planes and plywood structure. Reflective white Terrazo floors further accentuate the airiness of the open-concept extension.
Abutting the kitchen, the owners’ existing dining chairs, table, and bench have found a new home beneath the extension’s glass planes and plywood structure. Reflective white Terrazo floors further accentuate the airiness of the open-concept extension.
Outside of the extension, the Victorian house’s interior appears largely unchanged. However, NOJI Architecture added a long window to the hallway that connects the extension with the entrance. Light from the extension flows into the rest of the ground floor and connects the new space to its environs.
Outside of the extension, the Victorian house’s interior appears largely unchanged. However, NOJI Architecture added a long window to the hallway that connects the extension with the entrance. Light from the extension flows into the rest of the ground floor and connects the new space to its environs.