Bungalow Bliss
Client: Private
Type: Renovation and Addition
Gross Internal Area: 220sqm / 2368 sqft
Status: in Planning
Location: Co. Kerry
Date: 2024-
Drawing on the vernacular agrarian typologies characteristic of rural Ireland, the proposed works reconfigure the existing dwelling into an L-shaped plan that creates a pair of “kissing gables,” forming a welcoming entrance courtyard and reinforcing a sense of arrival and enclosure. To the rear, the new footprint frames a sheltered, south-facing courtyard garden, enhancing solar gain, natural ventilation, and outdoor amenity. This arrangement echoes the weather-conscious planning of traditional Irish farm clusters—settlements shaped by their inward-facing nature, resilience to Atlantic conditions, and strong sense of communal enclosure.
Where feasible, the original wet-dash rendered walls will be retained and repaired, preserving the understated character of the existing bungalow while minimising demolition waste. The external material palette is firmly rooted in the local vernacular, favouring natural, durable finishes that harmonise with the rugged Kerry landscape and reflect its agricultural heritage.
Internally, the design introduces vaulted communal living spaces—a contemporary reimagining of the traditional direct-entry cottage, where various aspects of domestic life once coexisted under a single roof. This spatial strategy balances openness with intimacy, fostering a sense of connection while supporting the rhythms of modern, open-plan living.
Client: Private
Type: Renovation and Addition
Gross Internal Area: 220sqm / 2368 sqft
Status: in Planning
Location: Co. Kerry
Date: 2024-
Drawing on the vernacular agrarian typologies characteristic of rural Ireland, the proposed works reconfigure the existing dwelling into an L-shaped plan that creates a pair of “kissing gables,” forming a welcoming entrance courtyard and reinforcing a sense of arrival and enclosure. To the rear, the new footprint frames a sheltered, south-facing courtyard garden, enhancing solar gain, natural ventilation, and outdoor amenity. This arrangement echoes the weather-conscious planning of traditional Irish farm clusters—settlements shaped by their inward-facing nature, resilience to Atlantic conditions, and strong sense of communal enclosure.
Where feasible, the original wet-dash rendered walls will be retained and repaired, preserving the understated character of the existing bungalow while minimising demolition waste. The external material palette is firmly rooted in the local vernacular, favouring natural, durable finishes that harmonise with the rugged Kerry landscape and reflect its agricultural heritage.
Internally, the design introduces vaulted communal living spaces—a contemporary reimagining of the traditional direct-entry cottage, where various aspects of domestic life once coexisted under a single roof. This spatial strategy balances openness with intimacy, fostering a sense of connection while supporting the rhythms of modern, open-plan living.
