Take a look at this private home, built on a site which tapers in plan and slopes down to the north offering a spectacular view of Dublin Bay.

Planning requirements imposed a severe height restriction to preserve a public view from Ardbrugh Road to the sea. Together with the natural fall on the site, this released a “wedge shape” of potential accommodation, so the house is essentially designed in section, single storey to the south and double storey to the north. The roof floats over clerestories and follows the sight-line. The bedrooms downstairs on several levels follow the fall on the site. In plan the house is placed deliberately along its eastern boundary facing west onto a terraced garden, so that both garden and house have benefit of afternoon and evening sunlight. A roof light, the length of the circulation, admits light into the interior throughout the day. Almost all the main habitable rooms face west off the circulation spine. This small “architectural promenade” concludes on the first floor with the living room and study who have the privileged view of the sea panorama; and the same for the master bedroom and en-suite below. The cascade of public rooms can be completely open to see the view or subdivided by shutters.

Entry is celebrated by a bridge across the falling topography, and the excavated granite was used to clad the lower walls with copper above. The composition climaxes with a “prow” balcony which is capable of being merged into the living space with corner-less sliding glass doors which disappear into the walls on both elevations. Sliding shutters can close off the space at night. The roof comes to a point with a rainwater drainage chain discharging into a triangular pool.

Meeting point: front door of the building

Drop-in

Assistance Dogs welcome

Parking is usually found on adjacent streets. The house is 11 minute walk from Dartry Dart but up a hill.