Cork Harbour Passive House

Client: Private Client

Status: Completed, PH Plus Certified

Located on a steep, north-facing site in Cork Harbour, with extensive sea views, an existing timber framed bungalow made way for our first Passive House Plus Certified dwelling. Significant, mature vegetation, combined with the northerly aspect of the site, renders it in shade for much of the year. As a result, maximising solar access, whilst retaining as much of the existing vegetation and mature trees as possible, was an important focal point for the project. As the site faces predominantly to the Harbour, it was also extremely important that the proposal made reference to its surrounding context, to sensitively interact with the landscape and to maximise the incredible views.

The design works with the topography of the site, bringing one down from the access road to a parking level, where a PV covered car port is provided. Winding steps cut into the site, bring one down to the south facing entrance courtyard. A lift is also provided at the parking level, which gives access to all levels and will enable the occupants to age in place into the future. From the courtyard, one can enter the upper level of the house which contains the main living spaces. One can also continue down the steps to the garden level and onwards down to the shore below.

The lower level contains the bedroom accommodation and is finished in a natural lime render, referencing nearby historic embattlements. The visually weighty lower floor is tucked into the surrounding landscape, with the ground wrapping around the sides of the dwelling. The upper floor is clad in zinc, with extensive glazing, giving a much lighter overall effect. The large zinc clad sculptural roof, references the hull of an upturned boat and provides shelter to the exterior east & west terrace areas.