To create a bespoke long term home allowing for the growth of a young family. The existing dwelling was a 1940's cottage built by the land commission that housed islanders moving ashore from the Inis Gé islands and is one of the most westerly houses in County Mayo. The client wished to extend and enhance their home by the ocean, a home that makes them smile, worthy of the special site, a building that respects the unique location, modest, not ostentatious, cosy not austere. Connection to ocean and outdoors was important, making use of the abundance of renewable energy in the location.

Very exposed site as subject to extreme weather; 100m from cliff edge with Atlantic ocean; within an area of special interest lowland coastal zone; capture the views; integration with the context important

The bespoke extension design includes a new single storey glazed link block, which distinguishes the original cottage block from the new main body extension block, in order to improve the legibility of the cottage in its original form. This new link block feeds into the new main body extension block, offering a stair down to a new lower ground floor which is bedded into the site, and a new upper ground level which is elevated to take in the seaward views. Extension accommodation includes living/dining/kitchen, playroom, master bedroom with en-suite, 2 bedrooms, family bathroom and utility room over two floors.