Digging is expensive, and more so on
restricted sites.  But in a basement or
semi basement situation, it provides a wonderful link between the lower level spaces and the garden.

Once dug out, the house is secured by steel
structure and the building of the extension can begin.

In this project, for a Protected Structure in South Dublin, an extension at Garden Level  provided much needed light, height and extra space to the kitchen and dining room at the rear of the house and created a space on the same level as the garden for outside eating and to enjoy the views of the garden.

A new staircase from the Raised Ground Floor entrance hallway to the Garden Level was designed to connect these floors, give views of the rear garden right through from the front of the house, and bring natural light through the house. 

A  bathroom was created in
a small extension at the stair landing level. The projection of the bathroom extension is kept to a minimum and is linked to the house re-using an existing window opening. Glazing demarcates the junction between the new brickwork and the original brickwork.

Bathrooms in an extension keep water pipes and waste stacks out of the original house where they are difficult to accommodate and conceal without damage to historic fabric of the building.