Living in a Landscape

The project is a house on the edge of parkland and a village on the south east coast of Ireland. The local granite stone can be seen in the quarry nearby and is found in most boundary walls in the locality. Taking cues from this local context, the mass of the new building has been broken up into three blocks conceived as granite rock outcrops.  Though the proposed forms are simple, the gently pigmented concrete walls reflect the local granite tones. The three elements are planted on top to form a new landscape and foreground over which views to the sea beyond are opened up for passers-by.

The challenge was to maintain public views of Dublin Bay while preserving privacy for the home on a steeply sloping site. Arrival is from the street above the house. The blush-toned walls of the house are nestled behind layers of planting and granite walls. The parapet is kept low, sitting visually beneath the line of the bay. By remaining grounded in the landscape, the building appears to grow naturally from the earth rather than being placed upon it. Due to the steep terrain, access is from the upper ground floor, where living spaces are oriented toward sea views. The house is arranged in stepped levels with courtyards that draw natural light into the lower floor. Bedrooms on the lower level open to the garden and a south-facing planted courtyard, ensuring privacy, light, and a strong connection to the landscape. The garden is characterised by playful meandering concrete paths and pads stepping down the hillside through native planting, creating a rural character from the street.

The house is crafted from softly tinted concrete, its blush tones reflecting the colour of the local granite and helping it blend naturally into the landscape. Inside, warm oak and crisp white finishes create a calm, timeless atmosphere. Every material was chosen for its beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility. The concrete structure, though robust, is designed to last for generations with little maintenance, while the planted roofs and lush gardens act as living extensions of the building — capturing carbon, improving biodiversity, and providing insulation. Sustainability guided every decision, balancing quality with long-term value. The home’s materials will weather gently over time, their tones deepening with age, allowing the building to sit ever more comfortably within its coastal setting. Simple upkeep — tending to the planting, checking drainage, and keeping the windows and concrete clean — will ensure it remains both resilient and beautiful for decades to come.