2 Houses in Killiney
Project: 2 Houses in Killiney
Location: Killiney, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Architect: ABK Architects
Brickwork Contractor: Cedar Building Company
Brick: Ibstock: Chailey Stock/Hamsey Multi Stock Paver
The project is conceived of as two formal, cubic brick volumes linked by a landscape of brick terraces and retaining walls.
The two houses form a brick-paved mews court accessed via a narrow, shared lane. The houses are linked by a retaining wall, which divides the site into an upper terrace and a lower wild garden.
Though similar in strategy and general disposition of rooms, each house responds differently to the differing site conditions. All avail of the spectacular view to the Wicklow Mountains beyond.
Both houses are entered at the point where annex and house-proper interlock. One presents a view of the mountains to the visitor, the second a bamboo-lined court.
The living spaces of the three-storey house form a link between a formal garden and wild woodland, while a lower garden-level study creates a world of quiet retreat.
The two-storey house, set lower on the site to avail of the natural site contours presents a horizontal panorama and a broad brick terrace to the woodland beyond.
The expression and language of the project is one of composition and measured contrast. The solid, brick volumes are carved to from deep recesses at critical points. Entrance porches are deeply recessed and lined in brick to form cave-like transition spaces.
Windows are set flush with the masonry surface creating a contrast between the textured surface of brick and the fluid-like nature of float glass. Mortar pointing is struck flush to emphasise the monolithic nature of the material.
The robust, carved exterior reveals an interior of white plaster and Carrara marble; a pristine interior set within a brick carapace.
Both houses use high performance insulation set within a cavity. The inner leaf was brought up separately from outer leaf to ensure that insulation batts were taped and fixed to the wall to eliminate air infiltration.
Ground-sourced heat pump, solar panels and heat recovery ventilation system are integrated into the design to create sustainable homes of the highest energy standards.
Throughout the project, brick is conceived of as an extension of the ground, forming a new, man-made landscape and a backdrop against which the white bark of the birch trees is set.
This project was awarded Best International Project at the 2008 Brick Awards. The Judges found many features to admire in this excellent development. The architectural concept and its realisation, the relationship of building to site, the use of landscaping elements and the skill of the craftsman who built it. A worthy winner of a close fought category.