This project replaces an existing dated bungalow which required extensive improvement to its thermal performance to meet energy standards to comply with current Building Regulations and standards for modern living standards. The new dwelling is designed to sit assimilate more sensitively in the landscape, whilst providing additional accommodation within a more sustainable envelope.
Conceptually the house is seen as the most essential of structures, a shelter formed of large and small scattered sculptured stone ‘pavilions’ that might emerge or be found on the undulating topography of the slope. Three ‘pavilions’ rise out of the earth like erratic blocks of stone. The volumes are aligned organically and like a villa each has its own separate wing for various purposes (living area, sleeping quarters, utility area). These volumes form a courtyard around a reflecting pond, which bounces light deep into the plan of the neighbouring separate wings and reflects the surrounding landscape and sky over providing a continuously changing picture.
The “Living Pavilion”, which contains a large open plan living / dining / kitchen, pantry and wine cellar is designed to take maximum advantage of views over Kinsale harbour. The roof of the “Living Pavilion” is tilted to create a low horizontal frontage towards Kinsale harbour, whilst allowing southern light to penetrate deep into the plan from clerestory windows to the rear. The tilted roof is finished with a planted sedum roof creates a more visually sympathetic elevation, when viewed from across the harbour and from Compass Hill.
The ”Sleeping Pavilion” is located on the footprint of the original existing house. It contains 4no. bedrooms with ensuites which are laid out to afford each bedroom with sea view. The en-suites are lit from a large rooflight in the shower which affords the residents the opportunity to shower under the sky.
The “Working Pavilion” is formed to the rear and contains a Utility Room and Visitor WC at ground level, and a large office at first floor level.
The ground plane of the site is folded down over the house and the roofs are finished with a sedum finish. The overall form of the house has been designed so that it is of same height or less to the ridge of the original existing house to minimise visual intrusion in the environment.