Contemporary Mews Living in Dublin

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Located in the heart of Stoneybatter, this project involved the complete design development of a new-build two-storey mews house, delivered in close collaboration with the developer and project architect. Nook was engaged from the earliest stages, contributing to every aspect of the home, from façade articulation and spatial planning to the specification of materials, lighting, joinery, and final furnishing.

Designed for the residential sales market, the brief required the creation of a high-value, design-led home within a tightly controlled budget and a compact urban plot. The ambition was to deliver a product that would stand out in a competitive Dublin market, appealing to a discerning buyer while maintaining cost efficiency.

 

The Challenge: Maximising Space, Light, and Market Appeal

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Working within a limited footprint, the primary challenge was to optimise spatial efficiency without compromising comfort or quality. Every square metre had to be carefully considered to ensure fluid circulation, functional layouts, and a sense of openness throughout.

As the end user was not yet defined, the design process required a market-informed approach. We engaged with local estate agents and analysed target buyer profiles to understand lifestyle expectations, spatial needs, and aesthetic preferences. This allowed us to shape a design that balances broad appeal with thoughtful, user-centric solutions, ensuring the home would resonate emotionally while performing practically.

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The Design Approach: Contemporary Warmth with Architectural Integrity

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The architectural language respects the character of the neighbourhood through a red brick façade, incorporating a hit-and-miss brick pattern that introduces texture, permeability, and subtle visual interest. This also allows for a semi-screened entrance zone, discreetly accommodating bin storage and bicycle parking while creating a transitional threshold to the home.

Internally, the ground floor is organised to support modern urban living. A carefully planned entrance sequence includes a guest WC, cloakroom, plant storage, and a defined transition space to “arrive” into the home. Beyond, the layout opens into a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area.

Despite structural constraints, including a central support column, we successfully integrated a generous kitchen island, enhancing both functionality and social interaction. 

Overhead rooflights and large rear glazing maximise natural daylight, while full-height double doors connect seamlessly to the garden and terrace, extending the living space outdoors.

The living area was proportioned to comfortably accommodate a six-seat dining table alongside a relaxed lounge setting, achieving a balance between sociability and everyday comfort within a compact footprint.

Upstairs, two double bedrooms were designed as calm, refined retreats, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The material palette throughout was selected to be neutral yet warm, combining soft textures, natural tones, and clean-lined detailing to create a timeless and broadly appealing aesthetic.

Attention to detail was central to the project—from the specification of flooring and lighting layouts to ironmongery, joinery details, and the sculptural simplicity of the staircase. Each element was considered holistically to elevate the overall experience beyond standard developer finishes.

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The Result: A Compact Home that Feels Spacious with a Strong Market Presence

 

The completed home delivers 84 square metres of highly efficient, design-led living space, complemented by a private garden and outdoor terrace. Through careful spatial planning, material selection, and layered styling, the house achieves a sense of openness, warmth, and understated elegance.

The project successfully met both commercial and design objectives, creating a distinctive, high-quality home that resonated strongly with buyers. It generated significant market interest and ultimately sold quickly, exceeding initial price expectations.

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