Our challenge
A home that justified the setting
Between Adare village and the extensive grounds of Adare Manor, the woodland setting of this 1980s house was perfect - the house was not. Rooms were small, the house poorly insulated, and externally it was unappealing. The clients wanted a nicer looking, traditionally styled, comfortable family home. They wanted space for a car collection, as well as well connected outside space for play areas, barbecues and catching the sun in the south facing rear garden.
The opportunity
‘Never demolish, always add, extend and give more’
Anne Lacaton
The house was one of a group of six known locally as ‘The Glass Houses’. However, this version had less glass and more fair faced block than the others (see ‘Reinvention of the Original’), and the proportions were all wrong - small dormer, low roof pitch, unremarkable entrance. Nonetheless, it was agreed that the existing building would be reused, keeping as many of the window openings as possible.
External insulation was added, which hid the original blockwork and increased the comfort of the house. Limestone plinths, cills and chimney details, as well as an increased roof pitch and overhang make the house feel more ‘grounded’.
The Kitchen
View across the large family room while cooking
Always the place where family and friends gather, the kitchen looks across the seating area, around a cream enamel Jotul stove. The dining area to the right opens onto the south facing patio. With windows on three sides, light at different times of day streams into the space.
Here comes the sun
And the living is easy
From early afternoon onwards, the patio is the place to be. In the background, the garages for the client’s car collection give a sense of enclosure and privacy. A stairs leads up to a gym area on the first floor.
The result
A bright, welcoming family home
It was difficult to envisage the potential in the original house, but the bones of it can still be seen. It has been transformed into an elegant, inviting home. The entrance is more welcoming, approached by the driveway of multicoloured natural stone setts, which frame the house well. Now the family make the most of the mature grounds around their new house.
Let’s Get Started
Let's talkYou can arrange a consultation on our Contact page.
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