House Built Around
A Listed Church Wall

Location : Rosslare, Co Wexford
Status : Completed May 2012

The brief was for demolition of a derelict cottage and design of a new sustainable contemporary house which would avail of the spectacular views of Wexford harbour. Early site research revealed the cottage had been built on the site of a church dating back to the 17th Century. An original L shaped stone wall still remained and subsequently became the focal point of the scheme. It was a planning request that the new dwelling respect the form of the existing cottage. The resulting scheme comprised of a pitched roof structure flanked by two single storey timber extensions. The main entrance was located at the eastern end of the site in a low timber and zinc clad bay which led to the double height living/dining space. Sliding doors open to an elevated west facing deck overlooking the harbour. The kitchen, utility and cloaks are located in lower areas under the study mezzanine. The master bedroom suite is accommodated in one of the timber clad extensions to the south. The extension to the north accommodates two guest bedrooms, an ensuite and a bathroom. Furniture such as bookcases and sliding and folding panels are used to sub-divide spaces to allow for a more intimate scale when required. The stone wall is lined internally and illuminated to acknowledge its historical importance both inside and out.