Our challenge
Keeping the public and private separate
An existing 1950s house was upgraded and extended for the Anglican church to provide a family home for the Bishop of Limerick as well as formal spaces to work, meet parishioners and receive clergy. The two areas needed to be kept distinct, however. Formal rooms are to one side of the entrance hall, family to the other.
The Opportunity
Red thread thinking
The Swedish idea of a common thread between elements is applied to the furniture, colour, joinery, window style and dressings throughout the house. The Bishop’s office which overlooks the main entrance has contemporary furniture, but still feels warm and welcoming.
Comfortable formality
Not all meetings are around a table
A new stone fireplace and gas fire provide an easy to use focal point to the formal sitting room. Seating was carefully selected to be comfortable, supportive and with a slightly higher seat height, as senior clergy tend to be older.
Double Duty
Formal rooms can be used for family gatherings
This formal meeting/dining room is between the sitting room and office reception. The large table with matching chairs, sideboard and side table is in birr oak, which is luxurious and requires only good lighting to set it off.
Adding Richness
Using the existing bays to best advantage
The four bay windows, two on each floor, all have window seats and soft furnishings which give an extra layer of detail to the rooms. The high ceilings with plaster cornicing and picture rail provide an equally good backdrop to formal church life, and cosy family sitting room.
The Result
Seamless yet practical
From the family sun room overlooking the private garden, to the more formal areas, the private and public parts of the house are distinct, but consistent detailing throughout means that they feel connected.
Let’s Get Started
Let's talkYou can arrange a consultation on our Contact page.
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