bridges the ravine from east to west. A stair leads from the driveway up to the entry court. In section, the house flip-flops: the living areas in the upper level have continuous glass walls that look north to the open landscape. From above and below, two contrasting experiences of the site are framed, one broad and expansive, the other defined and closed. Within the upper level are two open courts, one for the entry, the other connecting the main house to the pool, which projects down the hill and guest house. Paths lead from these courts, the only level outdoor areas on the hilly site, into the landscape. Walls and roof are clad in Cor_ten steel plate viewed from above, the rusty bar spans the golden grass slopes.

The new house was designed to maximize the qualities of the site and accommodation in the brief while retaining the single storey street frontage. We raised the ground floor by 1.2m to exploit panoramic views over Dublin Bay from the upper level. Kitchen and dining are to the south with a loggia for shelter and privacy. To the rear a large living room and roof terrace look north towards Howth. On the lower level to the south we cut out a sunken court so that the 6 cell bedrooms, based on Le Corbusiers monastery at La Tourette, have privacy, light and fresh air. Although these bedrooms are small, the user has a variety of spatial environments elsewhere in the house to rest and play.This level stretches back to meet the slope of the site and holds the master bedroom and den on the north side. A main bathroom, plant and utility as well as a top lit TV room sit in the centre of the lower level.

The result, a modular timber box home, offers compact internal accommodation attached to a generous double-height, insect-screened Bahama room, roof planes welcome Northern winter sun while long verandah-type spaces encourage natural cross ventilation, plywood floor and wall linings are in keeping with a spare and essential design that encourages the focus to remain on the richness displayed outside.

The Modern Architecture House Design, the vast ceiling spaces and the huge outdoor sliding glass that makes it look like a part of nature, plus the fact that it uses underfloor heating. Oh did I mention the 8 person outdoor spa? Guess not.If these things aren’t enough for that money, then here comes the cavalry: a championship lawn tennis court, cinema, smart home technology, more than 1 acre of manicured grounds, reverse cycle air conditioning, split-faced travertine and lots of terraces and recreation spaces.