Cork Rural Design Guide

1. Page 101

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   99 colour The choice of colour and materials makes all the difference to the impact of a house on the rural landscape. The most important principle is to use colours which blend in with local traditions and surrounding buildings. In general, the use of earth colours on buildings in the countryside will best complement the natural environment through the seasons and reduce impact, particularly given the larger size of today’s homes. Historically, whitewash was the decorative material used in domestic architecture. A light grey or ochre colour was also used. In some parts of the county, notably West Cork, the enthusiastic use of colour was one of the dominant features of local architecture. In North Cork the use of colour is much more restrained, with a more prevalent use of off whites and greys. Simple guidance for colour selection is to prepare a colour chart of the main hues of vegetation to appear on a site and its immediate surroundings, including the seasonal variations throughout the year, and use this as an aid to the most appropriate choices. A key characteristic of rural vernacular building is that the use of strong contrast between the differing finishes of roofs, walls, and doors is frequently the sole means of introducing visual interest or giving a `lift’ to such buildings. It is this discretion in the use of colour that greatly enhances such simple design. As a general principle, light colours should be used on walls complemented by strong colour, particularly on the door. Roofs tend to reflect more light than the walls, therefore dark colours are more desirable. Dark colours on roofs, such as the blue/grey of natural slate, reduce the apparent size of buildings, whereas light or reflective materials increase apparent size, drawing attention to them. The colour should match that of neighbouring buildings. Painted corrugated tin roofs complement white walls. The use of strong colours, the reds, greens and browns of the iron roofs of rural buildings create a distinctive image for rural architecture. 164 165 166163

2. Page 102

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3. Page 103

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   101 summary & checklist have you: Considered the roof profile, i.e. height and pitch of the roof, to blend in with the local environment? Used roofing materials that respect and reflect the tradition of their location and surroundings? Detailed roof edges that are appropriate to their context? Carefully located the chimney positions and ensured there is substance to their appearance? Arranged the openings, i.e. doors and windows, to provide good natural light and views whilst maintaining an attractive composition overall? Used good quality windows and doors that are attractive in terms of size, design and materials, and are responsive to local traditions? Used windows and doors that comply with fire safety regulations; energy conservation regulations; and disabled access regulations? Where dormers or rooflights are used, ensured that they are carefully detailed to minimise visual impact? Where a porch is to be included, questioned whether it must be expressed or can it be internalised? Where a sunspace is incorporated, designed it so that it respects the proportions and materials of the house and is it energy efficient? Used materials and finishes in a way that is consistent with the local character, enriching the house’s appearance? Used colour effectively to enhance the building whilst still appearing satisfactory within the landscape? constuction details

4. Page 104

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5. Page 105

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   103 appendices Worked Example: Sketches and Drawings’ Addressing the Deep Plan House Trees and Shrubs Bibliography

6. Page 106

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   104 worked example Low eaves, Simple form, Larger glazed area to south, Simple detailing, Slate roof, Strong chimney, Limited palette of quality materials 168 169 169 170 170

7. Page 107

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   105 bringing it all together Using the advice set out in the previous sections, this section shows how all the various considerations may be pieced together to produce the most favourable outcome for the site in question. This is a step-by-step example of all the details that should be included in a planning application to enable the planner to swiftly assess your application for a house in the Cork countryside. For this worked example a north-facing site has been selected, and the layout and house design in this case is a very contemporary one, but draws upon elements of Cork tradition to ensure that the finished development blends well into the locality. An unusual design such as this may require specialist input to demonstrate compliance with building regulations but this would not affect the planning application itself. It is worth noting that local OS Discovery series maps, which are readily available in most newsagents, can be very useful in assessing a site’s prominence. site location prominence check site analysis view from road - east view from road -south view down laneway view southwest from site boundary

8. Page 108

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   106 preplanning preliminary sketch proposalsite layout (pre-planning preparation)

9. Page 109

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   107 (pre-planning preparation) Sketch design of narrow plan house

10. Page 110

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Source Cork County Council: Cork Rural Design Guide · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.