Design and Detail

It’s a privilege to work with clients to realise the dreams they have for their homes. This project was extra special as it was architect-designed by the homeowners themselves. The finish is superb and beautifully landscaped to truly show off the craftsmanship involved. The owner/architect had a complete vision of the finish and all the details were well thought out making for a smooth working relationship. This semi-d has fully realised it’s potential with a ground floor wrap-around extension comprising open plan kitchen/dining/living plus utility, hall and office space in the hard working back ground. The front sitting room is now all grown up and a warm, peaceful place to relax. While once again we were met with wet, soft ground and a steep drop to the rear, we were able to work with the solution of a reinforced raft foundation and the balau deck and landscaping are inspired. Glazing is an important feature in most modern projects but here it is impressive. Our clients engaged Rationel to include an alu-clad 2 panel slider and picture window. Custom rooflight is by Cubo highlighting the new kitchen by Kitchen World and Consetina stone worktop. A special touch was using birch ply for the hall walls but with the purpose of displaying the homeowner’s hand-made collection of bespoke instruments. Some further design elements to mention include: cedar cladding; window seat and railing to tie-in cladding & decking; recessed, plaster-in down lights; exposed, painted steel beam; under-floor heating to the extension; engineered oak flooring throughout; sunken, open-plan living; an inset, corner, bio-fuel stove.

New Build, New Home

Sycamore are delighted to present the first new build in our portfolio. We thank our clients for the opportunity to spread our construction wings. Lucky to be able to build on the rear site of their family home, we’ve helped them realise a long-held dream. It comes in the form of an A3 rated 150m2 bungalow in an established, leafy setting. The finished product is warm, inviting and of a high standard. We wish them comfort and happiness in their new home.

Before asking for a builder’s price, what do you need?

In our experience at Sycamore, there are a few preparatory steps which save our clients a lot of hassle in the long run: A scaled drawing, a firm idea of what you would like priced and your own budget expectations. “You don’t want a design for something you can’t afford…” Hiring a professional like an architect or quantity surveyor is about “spending money to save money.” Before you speak to a bulder, an architect (or designer) should be the first port of call.

A complete guide to home renovation costs

“Instead of asking how much will it cost, you should ask how much can you spend.” From The Irish Times – Life & Style – Joanne Hunt – Thu, Apr 16, 2020.
Tailoring a renovation to our client’s budget is our specialty. It is beneficial to know what’s possible within a range rather than discussing ideas and expectations which may be unachievable once the bottom line becomes clear. It is refreshing to see this article distinguishing between market rates for new extension work and all the other costs which come into play once you alter an existing house.