Marblehill Strand Cottage
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Marblehill Strand Cottage
Having regard to the prominent costal location of the site, the new development has been carefully considered and sensitively integrated with the simple vernacular style of the existing dwelling and as part of the back drop to Marblehill Beach.
The small cottage, built in the 1930’s, retains a traditional style and proportion. The scale of the new additions is a direct response to the existing cottage arranged in a compact assembly based on traditional forms. Each element has been duplicated and rotated by 90 degrees, creating a south facing courtyard with views to Muckish Mountain. A large sliding door can open to blend the kitchen, circulation and courtyard spaces together. The pitched roofs open up internally to cathedral ceilings that further define the three types of space. An open plan circulation space links the rooms with light drawn from light from North, South, East and West.
This flowing internal section is expressed externally by a flat roof and untreated cedar cladding that will silver over time. The palette of traditional white render, cedar and stone are combined in each elevation which breaks up the visual impact from long views across the beach. The dune areas outside are intended to be left in their natural state, uncultivated. Boundaries are simple sheep fences to minimise the impact on the local environment. Sea buckthorn, marram grasses and dune formation will be encouraged over time.
