New dwelling at Clogherhead

The form of the dwelling is based on the strong traditional form of two or three single, narrow plan cottages and outbuildings set orthogonally to each other. These building forms are part of the traditional Irish vernacular, which remains prevalent in the Louth countryside today.

Taking inspiration from local building forms, we have adopted the traditional ‘half courtyard’ form and, by using other vernacular details, created a design that is simple, clear, and unambiguous. Responding to the site's natural topography, the dwelling has been integrated into the existing slope, thereby reducing impact on this unique and sensitive landscape. It is our intention that the dwelling will create a strong, identifiable form in the landscape while responding directly to site conditions. To reduce the scale and massing of the proposed dwelling, we have disaggregated its form into three clearly defined linear forms. The plan forms are arranged at angles to each other, with the two main forms connected by a flat-roofed internal circulation zone. This ‘circulation zone’ helps to define a south-facing ‘living zone’ and an east-west-facing ‘sleeping zone’.

The simple blackened timber volumes are arranged to create and define a sheltered rear courtyard, to take advantage of views across the site and beyond, and to maximise daylight and solar gain. The pared-back palette of concrete, timber, glazing and metal roofing evokes local vernacular buildings. Each material junction is considered and kept to its simplest form. The charring of the external timber rainscreen boards provides self-protection for the timber and is a traditional treatment for timber used in agricultural buildings. The resulting textures and tones of the blackened timber help anchor the house into its environs.

The dwelling is a sharp dark mass – an ode to the vernacular expressed as a simple silhouette on the horizon, while paying respect to the form of the agricultural context. It is a robust exterior, wrapped in a restrained palette, devoid of fussy detail, and designed to withstand its exposed position.