27 September 2026

Contemporary Design Within a Historic Setting

Extending an old property presents a very different design challenge from extending a modern home.

Projects Direct was approached to develop proposals for the extension and alteration of an approximately 200-year-old cottage in Skerries, where preserving the character of the original building was central to the planning strategy.

The client wanted considerably more usable living space and a home suited to modern family life, without losing the proportions and character that made the original cottage special.

Starting With the Existing Building

Our approach began with understanding the original cottage and the planning context surrounding it.

Older properties require careful consideration of scale, roof form, materials, existing openings and the relationship between the original structure and any proposed new addition.

The challenge was therefore not to make the extension imitate the old cottage, but to create a design that allowed old and new to work together.

Pre-Planning & Design Development

Over an initial four-week design and pre-planning period, Projects Direct developed and refined the proposals, reviewing the design against the relevant planning considerations before progressing to a formal submission.

The extension was carefully considered in terms of its scale, massing, roof form, materials, overlooking and relationship with the original cottage and neighbouring properties.

The design evolved into a solution that provided the additional accommodation the client required while allowing the original cottage to remain visually identifiable as the historic core of the property.

A Strong Planning Submission

Once the preferred design was agreed, Projects Direct developed the complete planning package, including the required architectural drawings, planning documentation and supporting information.

The application was then submitted and managed through the formal planning process.

Following the statutory 8-week assessment period, planning permission was approved.

Fingal normally issues a planning decision at around eight weeks where an application proceeds without a request for Further Information.

Respecting the Past, Designing for the Future

The completed planning design demonstrates that extending an older property doesn't have to mean compromising either its character or the client's ambitions.

By understanding the planning constraints early, developing the design carefully and presenting a clear architectural rationale, Projects Direct was able to create a proposal that delivered the space the client needed while responding sensitively to the original cottage and its setting.

Project Timeline:
Design & Pre-Planning Development — 4 Weeks
Planning Application — 8 Weeks
Planning Approved