Stewart House, Coastal House, Dunseverick
This replacement modern rural house & garage lies within the Giants Causeway ASSI (Area of Special Scientific Interest) and within an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. It has one of the most spectacular outlooks on the Causeway Coast, with vistas over the ruins of Dunseverick Castle, Eastward toward the beautiful beach of White Park Bay and beyond to Ballintoy, Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Its dramatic positioning and spectacular location cry out for large expanses of glass, but this also has to be balanced with its sensitive location. The planning constraints on the area are significant, resulting in a modest footprint, limited and sensitive palette of materials and a restricted ridge height. Working creatively within these restrictions, we have managed to create a sensitive but modern home which we feel integrates purposefully and sensitively into its surroundings. Large corner windows frame views from the main open plan kitchen, dining and snug space, while a large set of sliding doors to the first floor living area, combined with a modest first floor terrace, take full advantage of the dramatic sea views to the West and North aspects. A master bedroom to the first floor has a dramatic corner view to the East taking in the Causeway Coast and distant views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
The house is faced in Basalt Stone to ground it in its location, which then lightens on the upper level with the use of a white render. A zinc dormer to the front elevation creates visual interest and lights the double height entrance and first floor landing, offering a dramatic South facing vista over the countryside as you arrive at the top of the stairs.
The project is received planning permission in 2014 and was completed in 2016.