RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Dublin (over €300,000)

An essay in quality, these houses combine rigorous efficient space planning with an understanding of materials and light, and the courage to be unorthodox in form and finishes in a location where the pressure to conform is extreme.

Architects Comment
These 3 Mews Houses are located at the rear of Upper Leeson Street. There are 2 matching Mews and a larger Mews with first floor piano room along Waterloo Lane. The accommodation includes 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a gymnasium/garage and a long living/dining room on the first floor. All accommodation is located on two floors and a gallery under the barrel vaulted roofs.

The materials used are overburn bricks, 20mm sand and cement joints, European and American oak, green copper and white painted plaster. There is a brick floor throughout the ground floor, which extends into the rear gardens.

The living/dining room on the first floor is screened from the main house externally by awnings and single stem birch trees. Internally blinds allow for further control of daylight and privacy.

Client Comment
We live beside these Mews buildings and see them from our home. Every day we get great pleasure admiring them. They are interesting and very well built. We like their solidity and robust brickwork. The copper roofs are beautiful. There are delicate touches, such as the trees beside them and the wisteria entwining some pillars, which will look wonderful in a few years. Above all though, the novel and dramatic shape and design is satisfying. Driving down Appian Way towards Leeson Street, we get a thrill looking at the great side window and copper roofs from afar. The sunblinds are beautiful.

Inside, the Mews houses are similarly very pleasing – great design and attention to detail. Our architects advised on suitable furniture, which has complemented the design very well and most importantly, is comfortable.

We would like to live in one of the houses if we were younger and without kids. Sleeping in the eyrie under the copper roof would be great fun!