Located in County Clare, Ireland, this home for an extended family is broken into three simple block forms based around four squares, which range from formal courtyards to more informal patios.
The central block, accommodating the main living spaces, acts as a focal point with sleeping spaces on either side and a porch marking the principal entrance. All spaces are double-aspect with lots of cross ventilation.
During the summer months, the collonaded porch doubles up as a covered patio.
The windows are placed symmetrically, inspired by the pattern of openings on 20th-century Irish farmhouses. Where Classical rhythms weren’t possible, blind windows continue this principle.
Externally, the drystone wall house is finished with wet dash plaster and black slate to the roof, referencing local vernacular building materials.
For recessed areas – such as the entrance, openings and storage areas – a smooth plaster has been applied.
A purpose-designed recess within the side wall of the shed forms a goal, allowing local children to play ball.
Last year, the practice completed a shelter in Tramore Valley Park, Cork City, built from local materials including rammed earth and reed-thatching. The space is used as a venue for talks on biodiversity.
Architect’s view
The extensive programme of the house is articulated as a series of vernacular volumes, arranged around four distinct squares. These squares range in character from formal courtyards to more informal patio spaces. The principal entrance is defined by a path and porch, establishing a promenade-like sequence of arrival. During the summer months, the porch also serves as a social space, accommodating evening gathering and enjoyment of the setting sun.
The slender proportions of the volumes enable the incorporation of dual-aspect rooms, providing ample natural light and facilitating cross-ventilation for enhanced occupant comfort. Important internal rooms, such as the dining space and the living room, are directly connected to exterior patios, which act as external rooms for the house.
External openings, while influenced by Classical rhythms to the front courtyard, become more playful and plastic to the rear of the house. Surface finishes are similarly differentiated according to their position within the façade. Primary wall surfaces are rendered in a rough wet-dash finish, whereas recessed elements – such as entrances, openings and storage areas – are articulated with a smooth finish. Extending this architectural language, a purpose-designed recess within the side wall of the shed forms a goal, which has evolved into a focal point for local children to play ball.
Seán Antóin Ó Muirí, director, Fuinneamh Workshop
Client’s view
Our brief was to create a spacious and comfortable home for our family, as well as for a grandparent who stays with us regularly. From the very beginning, the architects demonstrated an exceptional understanding of our needs. They developed numerous concept sketches and physical models, which allowed us to gain a clear appreciation of the proposed design and to feel confident in the vision being created.
Throughout the construction phase, the architects maintained an excellent rapport with all trades and craftspeople on site. Their outstanding project-management skills, coupled with the professionalism and high standards of everyone involved, ensured an exceptional quality of finish throughout our home.
The completed house has surpassed all our expectations. Each room feels comfortable and welcoming, with a wonderful sense of space, atmosphere, and natural light. We are absolutely delighted with the result.
Private client
Project data
Location County Clare, Ireland
Start on site July 2021
Completion date January 2025
Gross internal floor area 295m2
Gross (internal + external) floor area 4,040m2
Form of contract or procurement route RIAI Building Contract
Construction cost Undisclosed
Executive architect Seán Antóin Ó Muirí
Client Private
Structural engineer Civil and Structural Engineering Advisors, Diarmuid O’ Meara MIEI
M&E consultant ProAir Systems
Quantity surveyor Billy Aherne & Associates
Project manager Seán Antóin Ó Muirí
Principal designer Seán Antóin Ó Muirí
Approved building inspector Seán Antóin Ó Muirí
Main contractor Custy Construction
CAD software used Libre CAD
Environmental performance data
Percentage of floor area with daylight factor >2% Not calculated
Percentage of floor area with daylight factor >5% Not calculated
On-site energy generation 30%
Annual mains water consumption Not calculated
Airtightness at 50Pa 1.969 m3/h.m2
Heating and hot water load 3,768.57 kWh/yr
Operational energy 8,094.98 kWh/yr
Total energy load Not calculated
Overall area-weighted U-value Not calculated
Predicted design life 100 years
Embodied carbon Not calculated
Whole-life carbon Not calculated
Annual CO2 emissions 4.36 kgCO2/m²/yr
Energy Performance Certificate rating A2