Sallins House/ Full Architectural Service

This project focused on transforming a dilapidated rural cottage into a modern family home while honoring its original character. Despite the structure's severe disrepair, RSDS Architects maintained the original footprint and replicated the front façade's window and door placements, preserving the cottage's spirit.
The design employs a layered floor plan, presenting a modest cottage appearance upon approach via a tree-lined avenue. Inside, the space opens dramatically toward the rear, featuring a vaulted kitchen, living, and dining area that connects to a spacious patio and landscaped garden through large sliding glass doors.

Drawing inspiration from Irish rural vernacular architecture, the home comprises a series of rectangular volumes, or "bars," that extend from front to back. This arrangement adds visual interest and breaks down the building's scale, creating an approachable feel. The central section includes a first-floor games room, offering a functional yet playful space.

Materials such as natural stone, timber cladding, and natural slate roofing were carefully selected to blend the home seamlessly with its rural surroundings. Inside, features like a brick-lined hallway and varied ceiling heights add character and define distinct zones within the open-plan layout.

Each room enjoys a connection to the outdoors, with large windows and sliding doors providing garden access and abundant natural light. The four bedrooms, positioned along the rear, offer serene garden views, and the master suite includes a luxurious sauna for private relaxation.

This redesign masterfully balances respect for the original dwelling with modern family living needs, resulting in a home that is both timeless and contemporary.