Roscuil

2010, Cork, Ireland

RoscĂșil is set in on a wooded promontory overlooking the river Lee. The original concrete house was much extended with a labyrinthine circulation system. Our clients looked for additional bedrooms and study space for their extended family as well as better connections to the grounds outside. The energy consumption had to be reduced and a more comfortable environment provided.

Our strategy was to carve out the core of the house, line it in warm timber and pave it with black limestone. The oak hall, from which all living areas can be accessed, leads to a generous staircase with a library on the landing. Above this is a clerestory window looking up to the green bank behind the house.

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The new extension is a two storeyed annexe, a simple rendered box, to the front of the house. Honed black limestone lines the entrance and wraps around the new annexe. The original extension, which contains the kitchen and master suite above, has been re-fenestrated. Sliding doors and a timber screen wrap around the ground floor, giving direct access to sunlight and terrace. A tall window on the western gable completes the intervention. The old parts of the house were lined and insulated, windows replaced and an efficient boiler installed, all measures resulted in a much improved BER rating of A3.