Mathieu and Mitchell Ltd. New Build, Extensions, Conservation and Facade Work

Sun Room Extension

The Project

Gary and Bernie Feeney contacted Mathieu & Mitchell about building an extension and patio to the rear of their dormer bungalow. Laurik Mathieu was quickly able to create a 3D image, which gave them a clear picture of a well designed, affordable, energy efficient, light filled space, which maximized solar gain whilst also capturing the beautiful views of the Slieve Aughty Mountains to the west. 

sun room extension by mathieu mitchell galway builders 1
Proposed sun room extension

The Design

Under Galway County Council guidelines this project was exempt from planning because it was less than 40 sq meters and to the rear of the house. The agreed design was a 25 sq meter room with a vaulted ceiling, glazed gable, French doors opening out onto a split level granite patio surrounded by a black powder coated railing.  A-rated windows and doors, an air tightness package and highly insulated walls, roof and floor ensured that this warm, light filled space could be enjoyed all year round.

The Schedule

A quick turnaround time was critical as the work needed to be completed before the summer holidays. A steel structure set in a raft foundation with concrete block infill was the agreed method of construction. This meant that our carpenters were able to work on the roof while the bricklayers were building the walls. Another crucial element of the project was that the energy efficient windows and doors were designed, manufactured and delivered to our warehouse before the work commenced. This saved us at least three weeks but was only made possible by detailed consultation with the client followed by accurate execution of the work by our excellent bricklayers.

Sun room extension by mathieu mitchell galway builders 4
Sun room extension Interior View
Sun room extension by mathieu mitchell galway builders 3
Sun room extension Interior

Following the completion of the extension we set about the construction of the patio. Thirty-millimeter granite slabs were laid on a reinforced concrete slab using the solid bed method and a high quality external tile adhesive, which reduces the risk of frost lifting the slabs during the winter months.   The black powder coated railing was fixed through the paving stone and into the concrete slab using approved anchor bolts set in Hilti chemical anchor.

Sun room extension by mathieu mitchell galway builders 2
Sun room extension

The Result

All work was completed on time and within budget. The final result was a practical, energy efficient, low maintenance extension leading on to a suntrap patio. The owners were surprised and happy to find that the existing house is noticeably warmer and costs less to heat because the new extension acts as a kind of high performance buffer against the prevailing winds. It took nine weeks to complete the project from start to finish including design.

Sun room extension by mathieu mitchell galway builders 6
Sun room extension Exterior Front
Sun room extension by mathieu mitchell galway builders 5
Sun room extension Exterior Side

Testimonial

“We are extremely pleased with the work carried out on the recent extension we have had added on to our home.  We found that Mathieu and Mitchell’s design and build system worked very well and gave great value for money. Their attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, quality materials and encyclopedic knowledge of the building industry meant that they were a pleasure to work with.  Throughout, the builders were on time, tidy and very safety conscious.  They always kept us informed of what was going on. We would have no hesitation in recommending or hiring them again”  

Gary and Bernie Feeney, Killeenadeema, Loughrea, Co. Galway