Donegal Contemporary Cottage

Set on a flat open site in Co. Donegal this house design reflects the rural typology of its surroundings while also maximising the sun and views around the site. Set amongst agricultural buildings, pasture and woodland the proposed dwelling reflects the landscape and built environment in the form and facade using simple bold shapes and simple materials: stone, render, slate, timber and glass. The result is a contemporary expression of our traditional rural architecture.

The dwelling is composed of three distinct and interlinked blocks. The natural stone block on the left contains the bedroom & sanitary accommodation and is linked to the living spaces in the white rendered block by the flat roof structure housing the reception hall and utility room.The external louvred screen can slide across the east facing full height glazing to prevent solar gain overheating the living room and then pushed back when the sun has passed on to reveal the views over the rolling countryside.

The rendered block contains the open plan living room, kitchen, dining room. Each living space has a bifold door to provide access to the west facing patio, perfect for entertaining on those long summer evenings.The stone block contains the ensuite bedrooms and bathroom. Each bedroom has sliding doors to provide un-interrupted views and access to the sun deck. But when the weather turns stormy the external timber doors can be pulled closed to provide the ultimate protection from the elements.