Pavilion House

A new house for a downsizing couple has a modest exterior and an exuberant interior

A new house for a couple replaces a bungalow which existed on the same site. The new dwelling utilises a large pitched roof profile with terracotta tiles, echoing the original and neighbouring houses. The triangular site led to the decision to add additional space to the front of the house. This is achieved by adding a smaller, pitched roof structure, or pavilion, which houses a guest bedroom. All rooms enjoy a different view of the gardens, which are landscaped in various ways to include an orchard, kitchen garden, lawn, patios, dry garden and wild garden.

Subtle level changes within the house and gardens follow the contours of the sloping site. Exposed, board-marked concrete is used for the retaining walls of the gardens and the chimney breasts, which are structural elements that support the main roof. A mezzanine living room has a large window overlooking Dublin Bay and views over the ground floor living spaces. The exposed Douglas Fir rafters of both roofs are lit by large roof lights, creating warm and atmospheric spaces.

Winner – 2020 Wood Awards Ireland Small-Scale Private Buildings