The original vernacular stone structure, splendid views of ‘Slemish’ and our client’s desire for comfortableunderstated interiors were the principles that focused us as architects on the above project. This together with thepreservation and consolidation of the stone structure was fundamental in achieving an architecture where the old andnew complement each other. Thus the residence was designed by fusing new technologies with older buildingtechniques whilst incorporating sustainability ideals in order to create a rural architecture for the 21st century, ratherthan simply remodelling or recreating the methods and manners of the past.
This unassuming residence is a responsive configuration of skilfully contained views from the interior together withthe manipulation of natural light combined with fluid, informal spaces allowing us to create architecture that has somedramatic moments but does not overly dominate the character of the exciting stone barn. The house is surprisingwhich engages people and allows the dwelling a unique character without having to resort to reproduce a replica ofthe past. Approached from the north-west the dwelling has a restrained appearance, with the texture and colour ofthe zinc cladding contrasting and interacting with the warmth of the existing stone walls. The dwelling retains theintegrity of the existing barn whilst hinting to the dynamic design within. The new construction uses the foundationsand outer walls of the old barn, but new metal framework is inserted in the interior to create the upper ground floor.All original openings are used without alteration in the lower ground floor. The zinc cladding and glass facades aresuspended from the steel structure minimizing the load on the existing structure. The zinc clad upper ground floorlevel adds the addition of a new time layer to the building whilst allowing us to create the some much needed livingspace within.
The living space appears as if it has been plugged into the barn and has altogether different, all be it ruralarchitectural language. It is largely glazed to the south-east and south-west making the most of the views andexploiting solar gain. The vaulted ceilings and open plan living accentuates the feeling of space. The house isentered via a ramped pathway on the south-west facade. One enters on a half level between the lower ground floorcomprising of two bedrooms, bathroom and utility space with direct access to a sheltered carport area. The upperfloor consists of three free flowing spaces for food preparation, dining and relaxation as well as the master bedroomsuite. These spaces open upwards to a double height light filled space. We feel we have created a petite residenceat 116 metres squared which is a highly crafted combination of fluid spaces, porous boundaries between indoors andout while still remaining true to the particulars of its place, a refined modern account of rural Irish architecture. Theresult is a dwelling that respects the original character of the barn and also achieves a contemporary, comfortableunderstated atmosphere.
