This proposed dwelling lies on a linear site, perpendicular to the road, and as such takes the more tradition form of a strong gable facing the road and into the south westerly prevailing wind. This siting takes precedent from vernacular farmhouses, which adhered to the edges of field patterns to maximise the area of land available for agricultural uses. In doing so, our proposal becomes more inconspicuous and integrated within the hedgerows of the surrounding landscape. Ground floor flat roofed ‘porches’ are pushed and pulled out from the linear plan, adding internal spaces and defining sheltered private external areas or field gardens for our chef client to cultivate homegrown produce.

This ground floor is formed in masonry & stone walls as per the historical and typical local construction and visual relationship to the dry–stone walls & ditches that run throughout surrounding townlands. A cut stone plinth mediates with the sloping field and is articulated to form window sills, external seats and planters. Internal floors and external terraces will also be surfaced in cut stone, giving continuity to the forms and spaces.

The upper storey of this proposed dwelling sits next to the canopy of a line of existing mature trees and is entirely conceived of as ‘roof’. As such, both its pitched and vertical walls are constructed in timber frame and clad with ‘leaves’ of natural slate, reflecting the varied tones and textures of the canopy, whilst relating to the hues of the surrounding Ring of Gullion Hills. The first floor is therefore screened by the tree canopy and its internal spaces are characterised by immediate views into the trees with a dappled sunlight filtering through.