Bono aims to raise the roof with radical elevation for his family's historic home

HE has, metaphorically, taken the roof off stadia all over the world. But now U2 frontman Bono is hoping to convince authorities that he will also be able to take the proposed new roof off his historic home.

In an effort to get around planning constraints associated with his Georgian property in Killiney in Dublin, the singer's architect has put forward plans for a "reversible" extension that can be removed at short notice.

The upper-floor extension, made from "a lightweight prefabricated structure", would cover the existing roof of the home on Vico Road. The shell-like structure would ensure that the original eaves and chimneys remain in place underneath.

"The removal of existing building fabric will be confined to the removal of roof slates and roof timbers only," the singer's architect, Colin Jennings, told Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in a letter.

The massive 130 sqm roof extension -- which will house a master bedroom, a study, two ensuite bathrooms, two dressing rooms and storage space -- is, on its own, bigger than a typical three-bed family home. But Bono hopes that the Lego-like and easily removable extension will convince the planning authorities that he is not undermining the integrity of Temple Hill.

An Taisce has confirmed the house is not on the list of protected structures in the area but, because it is 150 years old, has architectural significance.

A spokeswoman added the height and size of the plans would be studied in the coming weeks.

Removed

She also noted that she had never come across a situation before whereby an architect argued that an extension didn't compromise a structure because it could be removed.

Mr Jennings added in the plans that only the roof slates and timbers would be removed from the property and that the extension would "allow for the reintroduction of the original pitched roof in the future". Also included in the planning application are plans to add a ground floor conservatory-type extension with a terrace overhead.

If permission is granted, the structure will be 7,800 sq ft in size, almost eight times the size of a typical family home.

Jason O'Brien
Irish Independent

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