Robert Bourke Architects

Riverchapel House

RIVERCHAPEL HOUSE

Robert Bourke Architecture

Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray

PHOTOGRAPHS
Ste Murray

LOCATION
Riverchapel, Ireland

AREA
17.0 m2

CATEGORY
Houses

PROJECT YEAR
2019

Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray

Text description provided by architect.

An addition to a 1970’s timber-framed, sea-side holiday cottage in Co. Wexford.

Our intervention, which comprises of a new kitchen/dining space and boot area, forms part of a series of new levels which mediate between the existing ground and the elevated datum of the original house.

Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray

On arrival, one ascends several steps on a brick plinth. A galvanised steel handrail, balustrade and canopy orient and protect the visitor.

Inside the front door, a boot area, a key element of the clients’ brief, forms a new split level in the section.

The boot area is defined by a mat well, oiled oak bench and tiled surface for muddy boots.

Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray

One step up, the new kitchen/dining area is tucked under a low ceiling, which is a continuation of the angle of the existing roof.

This space forms an L-shaped plan which encloses a new sheltered, south-facing patio.

Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray

Three oiled oak steps, an extension of the bench, lead to the living area on the main level of the house.

A delicate wrought iron handrail, supported by two round oak posts, curves to form a balustrade behind the bench.

Riverchapel House
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray

The interlocking plank construction of the original house is replicated in the addition to provide continuity between the old and the new.

Thus, our design is intended to read as if it were part of the original house.

Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray


Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray


Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray
Riverchapel House
© Ste Murray


Riverchapel House
Isometric
Riverchapel House
Ground Floor Plan


Riverchapel House
Section
Riverchapel House
Site Section

Robert Bourke Architects
T +353 1 8727904
Robert Bourke Architects
37 N Great George's St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 XA52, Ireland