House Magazine
Spring - Summer 2005

THE DESIGN OF NORTHERN EXPOSURE

Gary Mongey and David Dwyer of Box Architecture in conversation with Sandra Andrea O'Connell, editor of House Magazine

Box Architecture was founded by Gary Mongey and David Dwyer to focus on high quality projects. The practice has been on the forefront of residential design in Ireland and has explored to-date, “every possible design option” – from clever garage conversions to exceptional one-off houses and sensitive period refurbishment.

The practice has received numerous architectural awards for their work including awards from the Architectural Association of Ireland; the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland and from the OPUS Building Awards, such a recent award for ‘Northern Exposure’.

Sandra O’Connell: Your clients own a traditional house on Dublin’s Griffith Avenue, which you have extended with a stunning modern extension. How did you develop this daring design for their home?

Box Architecture: Our clients came up with a wish list – what architects call the ‘brief’ – for the new spaces that they required. On top of their list, was a large light-filled kitchen, dining and living space. In addition, they wanted a large master bedroom with a private bathroom. However, just as important as the issue of space, is for us to understand how the occupants want to live in their house, how they want to use the space and what atmosphere they want to achieve. In other words, are they morning people and want a sunny space for breakfast, or do they frequently entertain large groups in the evening? Because we design to the specific needs and requirements of our clients, each project is different but shows the same hand.

Sandra: Did your clients have an exact idea of where to place the additional accommodation and did they give you some initial sketches?

Box: No, and, we firmly believe the more scope and free hand an architect has to develop ideas, the better the end-result. Architects study and train for at least seven years before they become full members of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI0. Like any professionals, they are there to give you expert advice on the basis of their skills and experience. They will test and surprise your thinking on your house and what it is you want to achieve. We always say to clients, “let us realise your dream”.

Sandra: How do you realise your clients’ vision – how does this process evolve?

Box: At the outset, we meet the clients in their home and discuss their brief and ideas with them. It is important for us to get a sense of how they live and what their aspirations are. Then we develop an initial design proposal in the form of sketches and drawings. We usually also make a model, which gives clients a good idea of the spaces. A model is also a particular useful too to demonstrate to our clients how the new and existing spaces will be affected by daylight. We use a sundial that determines the position of the sun in the Irish sky throughout the day and the seasons. We then use a desk light (as the sun) on the model to demonstrate the effect of light in the interior of the house.

Sandra: In the case of Northern Exposure this was very important, as the extension faces north.

Box: Absolutely. A key challenge for us was to get light of different quality and at different times of the day into the rooms. By strategically arranging the new spaces around a series of courtyards with movable walls, the light is drawn into the house from morning to evening. Light is also brought into the interior through selectively placed light-wells, which allow the light to ‘bounce’ off the walls and create beautiful reflective light.

Sandra: How do your clients use these new spaces?

Box: They love the courtyard exposed to western light, where they sit in the evening with a glass of wine. In addition, they enjoy the large terrace, which connects the kitchen with the garden.

Sandra: Do you always know from the beginning how a project will shape up?

Box: It is usually instinctive feeling when we visit a house and we then proceed to present our ideas to our client. In the case of Northern Exposure, the clients were immediately convinced by the proposed arrangement of new spaces. On other projects, we may develop two or three proposals to present to the client, perhaps options to suit a range of budgets. Once the client has agreed to the concept, we develop drawings first for planning and then for the tendering process. But it’s important to realise that it is a long journey from initial sketch to completed project. Designing a house is an on-going ‘conversation’ between architect and client that does not conclude until the project is complete. There are always issues that will have to be discussed and agreed throughout the process. The most important thing is that architect and client listen to each other.

Sandra: At tendering stage – when you receive the quotation back from the builder – can there be some big surprises for the client?

Box: It is important that people realise that their budget and their objectives have to match. We would be able to spot in the initial stages if a client has ideas that can’t be realised within the budget that is available. In some cases, there may be a simpler solution available for the client.

Sandra: What about the cost for employing an architect?

Box: Architects usually charge a percentage fee of the overall cost. In our case this is somewhere between 10 and 16 percent, depending on the complexity of the project. If you think how much building work costs, the architect’s fee is the success of the project. They are the experts to ensure that all works are carried out to the highest standard and in compliance with building regulations. Architects are trained to manipulate space to the best advantage. Involving an architect therefore always brings additional value to your home.

The architectural fee is also broken down into the sages of the project – from brief and initial design to tender drawings and on-site completion.

Sandra: What final advice would you give anyone who intends to extend, renovate or build from scratch?

Box: Employ an architect! But if it happens to be a family member or friend, don’t forget that they still have professional responsibilities. Doing the project as a ‘favour’ is neither in your nor their best interest.

www.box.ie