Kitchen | Sycamore Construction

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.

Bathroom / Design / Kitchen / Management / Projects / Renovation

Complete Home Renovation

This 70’s bungalow has been brought bang up-to-date with a total renovation and energy upgrade. Our clients focused on insulation throughout, new heating system, electrical upgrade, remodelled bathrooms featuring bespoke cabinetry, storage solutions and all the important finishes…And of course a beautiful new kitchen. Our signature pocket doors allow separation as required between the cosy living room and open kitchen/diner. A home much improved thanks to expert guidance, quality carpentry and fine finishing.

Architect / Design / Extension / Kitchen / Management / Projects / Renovation

Changing needs & evolving homes

Here is a fine example of how to open up space and introduce light. The complete back wall of sliding glass and custom made roof light allow the lovely leafy aspect in reward. Sycamore completed this rear extension to alter our clients’ home as their family evolved from school going children to adults. Their home now has space for gathering as a family or entertaining friends or simply relaxing. Eva Byrne of Houseology helped with their layout & kitchen design. The challenge here for us was the wet ground with inadequate drainage. We had to allow for substantial foundations, well below standard levels to make sound. Worth it though for peace of mind.
Keen to modernise with a flat fibreglass roof and to ensure the glazing was maximised as high as possible. Our clients decided on triple glazed, alu-clad 2 part sliders with a Turn-Tilt Window to allow easy access for pets, it sits at 2.4m high x 4m wide. We added our signature custom made rooflight and pocket doors to the adjoining living room.

Bathroom / Design / Extension / Kitchen / Management / Projects / Renovation / Upgrade

Back To Life

There’s nothing better than bringing an older property back to life. This home has years of family history in its fabric and is sure to gain many more years thanks to some T.L.C. from our clients. Sycamore started the restoration top down. We replaced the roof and pump-insulated the attic rafters. To really breathe new life into the house a rear extension was added for a modern new kitchen and dining area with custom rooflight which transforms the light and use of space. The old house was re-wired and re-plumbed throughout including new radiators, a gas condensing boiler & pumped tank in the attic. Finishing off with two new shower rooms which are bang up to date with a lot of thought and personal touches. We wish our clients many more years to put their own mark on this slice of history.

Design / Kitchen / Management / Projects / Renovation

Kitchen Revival

An extension wasn’t necessary here but the kitchen itself was due an overhaul. Updating the appliances and tweaking the layout slightly to improve usability made all the difference. Behind the renovation scenes we dry-lined the room to improve insulation and installed Velux roof glazing to improve natural light. Beautiful granite worktops are by Miller Brothers Stone.
The result is a slick and efficient remodel, with an abundance of storage, the addition of a breakfast bar and lighting to set it all off.
As always, our clients were delighted with the very high standard of workmanship.

News

Perfect Storm: Builders hands are tied & homeowners are left in limbo

Labour shortages + Material shortages = Unmanageable delays & price hikes industry-wide. Even where the home-owner is willing and able to pay more, the builder is unable to secure the labour and materials required. It’s a quandary and the frustration across the industry is beyond palpable. The situation is unmanageable due to the lack of commitment on all sides and the outlook is not favourable. “Some contractors simply can’t stand over the prices they gave three months ago. They would go out of business if they tried to.” (CIF) This is a summary of some key points in recent articles across various publications including The Irish Times, The Examiner & The Sun. Read the articles in full via the relevant links.

News / Projects

Rise in cost of building materials and tight supply put construction on the back foot

Rise in cost of building materials and tight supply put construction on the back foot. ‘The increases are due to very severe supply shortages.’ A rise in construction materials costs is the latest setback to hit the industry. It won’t be news to anyone that the construction industry has been released out of lockdown straight into high demand for building projects of all kinds – it’s busy out there. As much as builders would love to tackle this demand head on, it is met with a new obstacle: increasing material prices & decreasing supply….