The original vernacular stone structure, splendid views of ‘Slemish’ and our client’s desire for comfortable understated interiors were the principles
that focused us as architects on the above project. This together with the preservation and consolidation of the stone structure was fundamental in
achieving an architecture where the old and new complement each other. Thus the residence was designed by fusing new technologies with older
building techniques whilst incorporating sustainability ideals in order to create a rural architecture for the 21st century, rather than 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 with the manipulation of natural
light combined with fluid, informal spaces allowing us to create architecture that has some dramatic moments but does not overly dominate the
character of the exciting stone barn. The house is surprising which engages people and allows the dwelling a unique character without having to
resort to reproduce a replica of the past. Approached from the north-west the dwelling has a restrained appearance, with the texture and colour
of the zinc cladding contrasting and interacting with the warmth of the existing stone walls. The dwelling retains the integrity of the existing barn
whilst hinting to the dynamic design within. The new construction uses the foundations and 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 are suspended from the steel struc-
ture minimizing the load on the existing structure. The zinc clad upper ground floor level adds the addition of a new time layer to the building whilst
allowing us to create the some much needed living space within.
The living space appears as if it has been plugged into the barn and has altogether different, all be it rural architectural language. It is largely glazed
to the south-east and south-west making the most of the views and exploiting solar gain. The vaulted ceilings and open plan living accentuates the
feeling of space. The house is entered via a ramped pathway on the south-west facade. One enters on a half level between the lower ground floor
comprising of two bedrooms, bathroom and utility space with direct access to a sheltered carport area. The upper floor consists of three free flowing
spaces for food preparation, dining and relaxation as well as the master bedroom suite. These spaces open upwards to a double height light filled
space. We feel we have created a petite residence at 116 metres squared which is a highly crafted combination of fluid spaces, porous boundaries
between indoors and out while still remaining true to the particulars of its place, a refined modern account of rural Irish architecture. The result is
a dwelling that respects the original character of the barn and also achieves a contemporary, comfortable understated atmosphere.