A Contemporary Coastal Home
Located along the picturesque shoreline of Fahan, this project presented a rare opportunity to reimagine a modest 1960s bungalow into a contemporary coastal home that reflects both the character of its setting and the lifestyle of modern family living. With planning approval secured, the brief was clear: to design a home that would maximise the unique potential of its shorefront location, while ensuring the new dwelling sat sensitively within the existing context.
The architectural response was to introduce a refined two-storey composition, replacing the single-storey bungalow with a home of greater presence and functionality, yet carefully controlled in scale. A modern flat-roof detail was developed to ensure that, despite the additional floor, the new dwelling would not exceed the height of its predecessor. This measured approach respects both the site and its wider setting, while allowing the architecture to feel distinctly of its time.
Materiality plays a central role in the identity of the new home. The upper level is defined by crisp zinc cladding, introducing a subtle play of light and texture that contrasts elegantly with the grounded nature of the lower floor. A full-width balcony extends from the first-floor bedrooms, creating elevated outdoor living space that captures uninterrupted views across the waterfront — a constant reminder of the home’s privileged position.
At ground level, the focus is on connection and openness. An open-plan living arrangement has been carefully planned around family life, with expansive sliding doors and feature corner glazing that dissolve the boundary between inside and out. These elements not only flood the interior with natural light, but also establish a direct and seamless relationship with the private, secluded gardens and the shoreline beyond.
The result is a home that blends architectural clarity with everyday comfort — a modern retreat shaped around light, views, and family living. More than a replacement dwelling, it represents a reimagining of what a contemporary coastal home can be: distinctive yet respectful, innovative yet enduring, and above all, a place to enjoy the unique qualities of its setting.
