Before renovation, this was a standard, developer built house in a typical suburban estate. Its rooms were small, and it offered little experience of the surrounding landscape.

The design aim was to increase the architectural quality of the building and to exaggerate the best aspects of the site.

The renovation, and small extension, opened rooms into each other to create open plans. Activities within are orientated towards the stunning landscape which surrounds the site. Large horizontal windows highlight views over Sligo town, the mountains of Ben Bulben and Koncknarea, and the Atlantic ocean. The shape of the extension focuses views towards the mountains, while an enlarged grass roofed garden shed screens views of neighbouring houses. Patterns and motifs are repeated without and within: the outline of the mountain is repeated in the kitchen island and the parallel lines of the external timber cladding are repeated in the aniline leather upholstery. The angled windows, glass screens and high gloss finishes playfully reflect the landscape, bouncing views into unexpected places. Custom designed furniture helps unify the internal spaces with the terrace outside and the natural scenery beyond.

Photographs by John Lalor and Ros Kavanagh:

www.johnlalorphotography.ie

www.roskavanagh.com