Architectural duo take their work home

THEY thought about moving, they thought about going all contemporary on makeover and extension front – and eventually this couple of practicing architects went the seemingly modest route for their own family home.

John and Siobhan McCarthy had spent the best part of the decade of boom in their 1,000 sq ft, three-bed suburban semi-d, where they’d grown to love the neighbourhood and its services.

Happily, their family had grown with them, hence the need for more space, one way or the other. They decided to stay put, and re-looked at what was best about their present home, and thought about how best to maximise its positive points, and get around any shortcomings.