Tollymore, Newcastle 2014-2025

Sited on the steep north bank of a ‘spate’ river in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, this house takes its cue from the glacial river stones that line the river edge.

This is a dwelling of six parts, embedded into the steep river bank, expressed as a collection of forms which are arranged so that each form lightly touches another. At these points, open corners facilitate that outdoor space can flow between the courtyards created by the arrangement, reflecting the movement of water around the stones in the river below.

The transition from road to garden, and on to the river, is handled by a stepped plinth, from which each element is constructed as a single volume, retaining a level datum at roof level, and with floors responding to the levels of the plinth. Openings are generally to the south and west, maintaining a discreet presence to the road, and embracing the river and views on the garden side.

The unique arrangement of rooms provides a daily living experience which embraces nature and the outdoors, presenting a model for a particular way of living in rural settings.