When it comes to finding the perfect home, it can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But for one couple in Dublin, Ireland, all it took was a chance encounter at a speed dating event and a budget of €50 to create their dream home. With the help of an architect who specialized in small-space design, the couple was able to transform a tiny, run-down apartment into a beautiful and functional living space that truly reflects their personalities and lifestyle. In this article, we dive into the story of how this couple turned a seemingly impossible situation into a practical and stylish home – and learn how you can do the same.
Dublin Simon, a charity organization that supports homeless individuals in Ireland, has been organizing Open Door events for the past 18 years. This year’s event will take place from May 8th to May 14th and offers the opportunity for individuals to have a consultation with an architect for a reduced fee, with the proceeds going to help those in need. The one-hour sessions cost €98 and applications for bookings are invited from early April. Over the years, Open Door has raised over €1.4m to support homeless people in Ireland.
These consultations have been particularly useful for homeowners who are planning to renovate their homes, as it allows them to meet with architects who can provide invaluable advice and help them to achieve their desired outcomes. One example of this is the story of Michael and Claire Murphy who attended the event in 2015 and received a consultation with restoration architect Fionnuala O’Connor of Urban Architecture. The couple was particularly drawn to O’Connor’s work as her firm was local and had a good reputation in the area.
Michael and Claire had been looking for a new home for years before they stumbled upon No7 Lauderdale Terrace on New Row in Dublin 8. The house was built in the early 1900s and features red-brick walls and unique Edwardian blue brick trimmings around the door and windows. It was in poor condition when they purchased it, with perished floors and makeshift plumbing. But the couple was determined to make it their own and live in it as the centerpiece of their family’s story.
After living in the house for a few years and feeling unsure about how to proceed with renovations, the couple attended the Open Door event and received advice on how to maximize space and achieve their desired outcomes. They eventually hired O’Connor to help with the renovations and she provided them with several groundbreaking ideas that they never would have thought of on their own.
Under O’Connor’s guidance, the couple moved the stairs to open up the space, created a sunken bath under the stairs, built an extension with a huge picture window, and maximized the use of space. “My favorite place is on the sofa looking out on the garden through it,” Claire said.
Today, the house is rated B3 and almost 1000 sq ft. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, the parlour room, and a vast open-plan modern kitchen/dining/living extension, sun deck, and rear garden. The couple is moving back to Dun Laoghaire with their two young children, and they are selling No7. Felicity Fox is the agent responsible for selling the property and has an asking price of €645,000.
In conclusion, Dublin Simon’s Open Door event is an excellent opportunity for homeowners who are considering renovations to meet with architects who can help them achieve their desired outcomes while supporting a good cause. The event has raised over €1.4m to support homeless people in Ireland, and it has had a significant impact on the renovation of Irish homes, particularly when like-minded individuals are brought together. The story of Michael and Claire Murphy is a great example of how attending the Open Door event and hiring an architect with new ideas and expertise can transform a house into a vibrant and comfortable home.
In conclusion, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of creativity and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone in order to find your dream home. This couple’s story of how they met their speed dating architect and utilized a modest budget of €50 to transform their Dublin home into their perfect oasis is a testament to just that. Whether you’re looking to find the love of your life or the perfect residence, it’s important to keep an open mind and take chances. Who knows, your dream home may be closer than you think.
