RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Eastern (under €300,000)

A deceptively simple project in its final form, this design is marked by the correctness of the decisions taken in the design process, to hold and strip back the original cottage shape, to separate the extension, to contrast it with the original in form and materials. These decisions, along with the interplay of spaces and the use of light, turned what might have been pedestrian into the exceptional.

Architects Comment
Our approach to design is engendered by a desire to use a single unifying concept that can inform all stages of the process. At each stage any issues that arise are tested against the original concept to determine what solution will reaffirm the concept or which one will undermine it. If the initial concept is found to be unsustainable then the design process begins again to resolve a concept that is robust enough to carry through the process of design and construction.

In this house we adopted an idea that through contrast we could both restate the value of the existing cottage and substantiate the significance of the new building. To this end the form, material and mass of the two parts are played against each other while all secondary decisions in terms of junctions and detail are used to enhance the original idea.

The form of the cottage is re-valued by demolition of existing lean-to extensions, revealing a simple form endemic in the Irish landscape. The colour, texture and grain of the timber further emphasises the difference between the two buildings and associates the new building with the surrounding landscape.

The scheme revolves around the use of a double height volume to introduce light into the depth of the plan and to unify the first floor living space with the kitchen/dining room at ground floor level.

The introduction of light from above registers the changing sky which in northern latitudes bathes the space in an even light on overcast days. The section is driven by the topography of the site, where the new building is pushed into the side of the hill. Utility room, darkroom, and shower room are placed in the dark centre of the ground floor plan with bedrooms on the end of the plan. The walls to the space are made white to register the subtle variations in the quality and colour of the light throughout the day.

Client Comment
Our House is exactly what we wanted, although we did not know it when briefing our architect. It’s a cosy 200 years old cottage, which essentially, is our kitchen and the heart of the house, with a completely modern space attached. Both seamlessly blend together and sit comfortably within the large garden, which attracted us to the cottage in the first place.

The house takes on a different character depending on the time of the year or the nature of the weather. We love the light from the roof light above. Every morning is bright and cheerful as you descend the stairs into the very spacious hallway, which joins the two structures. Opening the dividing doors between hallway and cottage provides great space for parties and large family occasions… tried and tested at Christmas. But it can also be snug and cosy for just the two of us sitting by the old stove in the cottage.

We live in the kitchen all winter, then use the first floor living room and deck when the Spring comes. The views from here are stunning and the corner window in the living room just attracts the eye right down the valley for miles. Each room has its own access to the garden and each window and door seems to be perfectly placed to provide some view that gives a moments pleasure.

Outside, the traditional white cottage blends beautifully with the local stone and wooden structure built into the bank. We love the patio outside the kitchen which gets the evening sun and look forward to a long cool drink in the summer on the deck upstairs leading on to the lawn.

We love the place, we love the gardens and we are at home in our new house.