The Edge's Renovation Project at Sorrento Cottage: Enhancing Space and Features
U2 guitarist The Edge, also known as David Evans, has submitted updated plans for a home renovation project at his property on Sorento Road in Dalkey, Ireland. The proposed alterations aim to increase the size and enhance a previously approved extension by 20 percent. The initial planning permission granted in 2023 allowed for the renovation and construction of a three-level extension at Sorrento Cottage overlooking Killiney Bay. The new plans, recently submitted, seek to expand the floor area of the extension by 158sq m (1,700 sq ft) from 787.3sq m to 946sq m.
The planning documentation submitted with the application indicates that construction work for the 2023 permission began on March 10th, involving demolition and preparatory activities. In addition to the size increase, the new proposal includes additional features such as a 94sq m (1,000 sq ft) space designated for "archive storage," an expanded bathhouse to accommodate a sauna and plunge pool, a new chef's kitchen, and a gym. The bathhouse size has been enlarged from 26.9sq m to 34sq m to provide service space. Users of the bathhouse will enjoy uninterrupted views of Killiney Bay, as shown in the application documents.
The updated design also retains the studio component from the 2023 plan but with a more open-plan layout on a single level instead of two. The planning consultant representing The Edge, Sadhbh O'Connor of Thornton O'Connor, assured the council that the revised design would not compromise the privacy of neighboring residents at Sorrento Terrace or the surrounding area. O'Connor emphasized that despite the larger floor area, the proposed extension would not significantly alter the perceived scale of the development, as it is integrated within the tiered landscape of the site.
The initial redevelopment efforts for Sorrento Cottage date back over 25 years, with a previous application submitted in December 2000 taking three years to navigate the planning and legal processes. The property has been unoccupied since the mid-1990s, and ODAA Architects, involved in the 2023 application, aimed to repurpose the existing structure as the client's primary residence. A decision on the updated plans is expected in August.
In conclusion, The Edge's latest proposal for the renovation and expansion of his property at Sorrento Road in Dalkey seeks to enhance the existing extension, add new features like archive storage and an enlarged bathhouse, and maintain the studio element in a more open-plan layout. The revised design aims to blend seamlessly with the landscape and surroundings while preserving the privacy of neighboring residents.