House in a Garden

Type: New build house

Client: Private

Location: Bray, Co. Wicklow

Stage: Completed

Architectural floor plan with multiple rooms, stairs, and walls in grayscale.
Interior view of a building under construction with exposed brick walls, a wooden ceiling framework, a ladder, and construction tools and materials inside and outside.

This small site with views to Bray Head is nestled to the rear of a larger landholding. It is a contemporary take on the surrounding cottages, its staggered form breaks down its massing while taking full advantage of the sun’s path around the site.

This simple move produces a hierarchy internally allowing the living spaces to be double height.

Architectural line drawing of a house exterior with two trees and three people, one adult, and two children, outdoors.
Modern white house with a sloped roof and black window, partially obscured by a beige wall, with tree branches with green leaves in the foreground and autumn trees in the background.

There is a copse of existing trees running along the northern side of the site. These trees allow the new dwelling to sit comfortably into the site and will also screen the dwelling from the existing properties adjacent to the new house.

Glazing has been strategically placed to advantage of passive solar gain throughout the day. The glazing to the southern elevation is protected from excessive solar gain in summer by an overhanging roof canopy which also provides a sheltered private outdoor space.

Architectural floor plan of a house with outdoor garden, trees, and surrounding structures.
The side of a modern house with white textured exterior wall, a window with reflection of trees, gray metal trim around the roof and window, and a leafless tree in the background.

The layout of the dwelling has been arranged to allow for spacious, comfortable modern accommodation within a relatively compact structure.

The simple material palette of render and corrugate roofing allow this new family home to sit comfortably in this infill site.

Brick house under construction with wooden roof framing and cloudy sky.
Modern white house with a large glass door and grey roof, neighboring houses with tiled roofs, overcast sky.

Client Testimonial

“We are delighted with the home Islander designed for our family!  Laura and Ciarán were very accommodating and brimming with good ideas throughout the whole process. 

They took a very constrained site and gave us a bright and modern home that feels incredibly spacious.  We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Islander to anybody.”

Stella & Brendan

Architectural line drawing of a residential house with indoor and outdoor spaces, including people, a dog, trees, and furniture.

Drawings: Islander Architects

Photography: Islander Architects

Contractor: PJ Farrell Construction