Living in a Landscape New family home and gardens, South-East Coast, Ireland Sustainable design NZEB. Completed 2023 Located on a steeply sloped site overlooking the sea on the south east coast of Ireland, the approach has been to design a contemporary new home, integrated into the surrounding landscape. The site sits on a hill beside local parkland and overlooking a village and the sea. The local granite stone can be seen in the quarry nearby and is found in most garden walls in the locality. Taking cues from this, the mass of the new building has been broken up into three blocks conceived as granite rock outcrops. Though the proposed forms are simple, the gently pigmented concrete walls reflect the local granite tones and add a soft and gentle texture by absorbing the light. The house has been designed with a low parapet level, the three elements are planted on top to form a new landscape and foreground over which views to the sea beyond are opened up for passers-by to enjoy from the road above. The house itself is composed of a series of spaces linked by pockets of courtyard and voids to allow light and views through and from the interior to the landscape beyond. Living spaces are gathered on the upper ground floor, with views opening up towards the sea. The bedrooms below face the gardens, and a south-facing planted courtyard brings additional light to this level. The garden is characterised by playful meandering concrete paths and pads stepping down the hillside, set between bio-diverse native planting. “This design approach is an exemplar in providing a beautiful home while improving the public realm. The new home is located below road level, revealing a new panorama for all. The site slopes to the north, facing the views, presenting a challenge for illuminating the internal spaces naturally. This is dealt with very successfully with courtyards and sunken gardens, achieving an impressive dual aspect space for the main living space. A timeless piece sitting beautifully in its landscape.” RIAI Awards Jury Citation - Winner Best House 2024 "A magnificently considered architectural response, carefully integrated into the landscape. A contemporary timeless design response; a great example of contemporary Irish architectural design." IDI Awards Jury Citation - Winner Residential Architecture 2023 "The highlight is the relationship between the built and the natural. A truly beautiful design response, with architecture and interiors merging seamlessly and coherently. The landscape is celebrated in every space. " IDI Awards Jury Citation - Winner Residential Interior Design 2023 Photography by Simon Menges