Design guide · Clare County Council
Clare Rural House Design Guide
The council's guidance on siting and designing a house in the countryside.
Clare County Council · 88 pages
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- 71 Alterations to existing dwellings An existing building can be renovated and extended to provide a comfortable modern home with instant character. Extensions should generally be located discreetly at the rear or side of the existing building and should not dominate it. Extensions to vernacular buildings are generally added to the long axis of the building and the symmetrical character can be retained by the careful placement of windows, doors and chimneys reflecting existing patterns. It is possible to introduce a new extension which harmonises with the existing building without having to impact negatively on the original structure. Specialised design requires consultation with architect / designer and the Planning Authority.Alterations, Conversions and Extensions External Lighting in the countryside should be carefully considered. Excessive lighting in the form of floodlighting can be visually obtrusive, can disturb wildlife and can create a road hazard. A good extension is usually subservient to the main building. Extensions can reflect traditional aspects of the existing building, but contemporary extension can also serve to compliment the existing building. The flat roofed extensions to the front and rear of this building detract from the original proportion. The window styles are in conflict with the original window size openings.
- 72 Roof Space It may be possible to use some of this area by the addition of small roof lights or a small window in the gable end, as appropriate. Dormer windows may be acceptable providing they are small, suitably located and in proportion and in style with the existing windows. Building Regulations should be consulted and future storage requirements in lieu of attic space need to be considered. Conversion of roof space can be an economical solution to space pressures in your home. Careful selection of window types and sizes can create pleasant roofspace for the home owner, without jeopardising the composition of the building.
- 73 Issues to be addressed when considering a conversion or alteration Reasons to consider alterations include; a)The spatial needs for reasonable comfort are insufficient for occupier’s needs, b) The dwelling will cease to be used as a dwelling and fall into disrepair, or c) The original dwelling was poorly designed and can be rectified by the incorporation of an extension. Checklist: CHECK Is the building a Protected Structure? – if so, check restrictions on internal and external changes with the •Planning Authority. No alterations can be made internally or externally without the consent of the Planning Authority What is the best position for any extension or alteration so it will not detract from the original building •style, mass and orientation? Is there enough room on the site to accommodate an extension comfortably? •Can space needs be met by reorganising the existing plan? •Can the building structure support the required modifications? •Can the existing services cope with the additional accommodation? •ie. is the septic tank system appropriately sized to serve the new extension?Alterations, Conversions and Extensions IMPORTANT: Is the building in an ACA (Architectural Conservation Area). If so no external alteration can be made without the consent of the Planning Authority (see ACA brochure)
- Demolition of an existing building Where an existing building has deteriorated to such a level that it is incapable of renovation or conversion, the Council may agree, subject to compliance with the Development Plan Policy, to its replacement with a new dwelling. Demolition of vernacular structures is not normally permitted and persons wishing to demolish or alter an older dwelling and outbuildings are advised to contact Clare County Council’s Conservation Officer for advice. Vernacular buildings are often attractive features of our landscape, and if they are of significant cultural, historic or architectural value are worthy of protection. Buildings of particular interest are those roofed with Moher/Liscannor slate or Broadford/Killaloe slate, the traditional roofing materials in Clare for many centuries. Windows, window surrounds, door details and other craftsmanship features are also important to preserve. 74 Restoration: In the restoration of older buildings care must be taken to use appropriate materials. Many old buildings are not compatible with the use of modern materials such as cement, uPVC, cement fibre slates etc., often resulting in problems associated with damp, condensation, fungal growth, brick spalling, structural cracking etc. Contact the Conservation Officer for advice and useful contacts for craftsmen, suppliers, conservation engineers, materials etc.
- Sunrooms and Conservatories Over the years the use of sunrooms and conservatories as extensions to the home has increased. When selecting a conservatory it is important that the style respects and is suited to the style of the original building. Do not be tempted to add an over-elaborate conservatory to a simple dwelling and always seek advice on style from a trained professional. Consider using natural materials such as timber. Be conscious of the effect of the conservatory upon the character of the existing house. Try and locate the conservatory away from the front elevation of the house, avoiding north facing aspects where possible. Sunrooms can provide a space that can be used all year round as the solid roof provides shelter from the sun and retains the heat in winter. The physical impact of a sunroom needs to be considered as the solid roof creates a prominent addition to an existing dwelling similar to that of an extension.Alterations, Conversions and Extensions 75 Two examples of sunrooms where different shapes compliment the original dwelling mass.
- 76 Have you looked at the list of Protected Structures in the County Clare Development Plan? Is the building protected ? You should consult architect, conservation engineer and conservation officer at an early stage to establish development limits. Is building old and of local significance? It will be important to maintain scale and general form and avoid taking from significant views of building. Is building style worthy of retention? Consult your architect / designer who will advise on scale and form of original and new building. You may wish to use this opportunity to improve an unattractive building or incorporate outhouses into an existing house. There are occasions when a contrasting modern design extension can be more effective than trying to match the existing style. Review: Alterations, Conversions and Extensions Grants may be available for Protected Structures. Certain essential house repairs for old age pensioners and disabled are also available. Check with the Council and the Health Board.
- 77 When considering the restoration of an existing vernacular building please refer to The Clare County Crafts Directory and guidance information which is available from the Conservation Officer, Clare County Council.
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- Checklists Useful Information Appendices 79
- 80 Checklist CHECKLIST FOR POTENTIAL HOME BUILDERS • Assess your needs. • Search for a suitable site location. • Consult relevant policies in the Clare County Development Plan, the Ennis and Environs Plan and Local Area Plans. • Appoint an architect or suitably qualified designer. The RIAI (Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland) have a list of registered architects. • Draft a design brief – consider your housing requirements and future needs. • Assess the site. This should include the following: • commission a plan of the site at an appropriate scale showing: • the contours of the land; • existing vegetation cover including individual trees; • the location and material composition of boundaries; • existing buildings, structures and historical or archaeological features; • all pipes, culverts, septic tanks, wells, storage tanks and percolation areas; • existing roads, rights of way, footpaths and access tracks; • water courses, wetlands and water features; • land drainage. • services • current use of the site and adjacent land uses. REMEMBER: :: Develop a design brief that fulfils your requirements and enhances the landscape. :: Anticipate any problems you might face. :: Make a pre-planning inquiry if you are unsure about your proposal being acceptable. :: Submit your planning application. Application forms and information pamphlets are available from The Planning Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare. Tel. 065 6821616. E.mail:[email protected]
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