Suaimneas
The site overlooks the Owenabue valley outside of Cork city. To the east is Cork airport, while to the northeast is an ancient megalithic tomb. The plan of the house is generated by the geometry of a square. From the entry courtyard, views of departing planes are controlled by the gable walls of the house and a shed. While views of planes arriving at Cork airport can be enjoyed from the central courtyard. Oversized circular water containers acknowledge the form of the ancient megalithic tomb. A hawthorn tree in the central courtyard references the hawthorn trees in the surrounding hedgerows. This hawthorn tree also assumes such a central position in the project because of its value in ancient Irish culture and traditional medicine. Vivid colours are used to inject vibrancy into the project. While local materials such as Cork marble and sandstone reference their use in historical buildings of the city. Architecturally, the house pays homage to the work of Asplund, Távora, Walker and Utzon through a series of “borrowed” references.
