Barc took the time to understand the client’s lifestyle needs and the aesthetic they hoped to achieve. Rather than designing a property that mirrored traditional west Irish homes, we opted to clad the building in corrugated metal. These darker materials blend with the heathers and the greenery that surround The Hatchery and are robust enough to weather the elements. We also created several sheltered outdoor areas to withstand coastal winds and we incorporated a sustainably heated hot tub into the north facing terrace. Inside, we developed the building’s existing footprint to create a spacious three-bedroom home. In the main living and kitchen space we maintained the property’s original height and introduced floor-to-ceiling windows. We replaced the existing rafters with tie rod trusses and incorporated a highly polished concrete floor throughout the lower level as a nod to The Hatchery’s industrial past. Several rooms benefit from picture windows, which flood the property with natural light and maximise the surrounding scenery. We worked closely with local contractors to maximise the potential of the site without compromising on comfort and efficiency. The Hatchery is highly insulated and makes clever use of a ground source heat pump for heating and hot water.