Design guide · Galway County Council
Design Guidelines for Single Rural Housing
The council's guidance on siting and designing a house in the countryside.
Galway County Council · 58 pages
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- Galway County Council Ornate Fascias & Tiles Apart from the exceptional Lodge or Arts & Craft house, ornate details should be avoided - as they will add to the visual clutter and are at odds with rural characteristics of simple, refined and robust detailing. Small tiles/slates should be used for smaller roofs such as porches, dormers and bay windows to avoid a boxy effect. Rainwater Pipework small round rainwater goods which are the same colour as the roof material are recommended - as they maintain classic simple lines and are low maintainance. White plastic or box gutters and downpipes should be avoided. Roofscape - Fascia, Verge & Rainwater Details Page no. 39 One of the most common details often overlooked relates to the junction between the roof edge and wall. The majority of modern constructions call for ‘low maintenance’, and while this is a valid concern it often results in the use of White PVC for fascias and soffits. A general rule of thumb is that the fascias, soffits and verges should be finished to a similar colour as the roof material. This will define the roof as a distinctive element and reinforce rural vernacular roof characteristics by having a more direct connection with traditional details. Careful observation of traditional gables will reveal so much about traditional detailing in terms of climatic conditions and the need for robust and low maintainance detailing. These details can still be achieved today and have as much merit and validity as those that use PVC. Raised concrete coping to gables Slight projection of eaves and vergeFlush eaves and verge Flush verge, plaster eaves and rainwater gutter same colour as roof Flush verge, eaves and gutters matching colour of roof finish Contemporary roof details - fascia, verge and gutters same colour as roof A contemporary idiom which acknowledges robust traditional detailing Good detailing Consider maintenance issues + avoid bulky eaves boxes - poor attention to detailX 272 276 278277 279 280275274273 281 282 The treatment of gable verges, soffits and fascias can be designed in one of four ways : Flush Eaves and Verge Slight Projecting Eaves and Verge Concrete Coping Raised Concrete Coping 283
- Galway County Council Chimneys - robust design Page no. 40 Chimneys are an iconic element in that they are anchored to the ground yet project beyond the ridge, forming a symbolic relationship of dwelling and landscape. Rural chimneys have a common characteristic of been robust and centrally located which also added to the regional identity. Traditionally, chimneys were located along the ridge either flush at gables or within the plan. Chimneys also projected proud of the gable but care was given to their proportions so as to avoid weak and mean looking stacks. Contemporary chimney design - robust and iconic Note : great skill is required so as to achieve this sense of proportion Contemporary chimney with stone providing a strong anchoring to site Chimney cappings also found expression with variations throughout the county, while modern precast versions and large elaborate designs are often at odds with these local characteristics. Chimneys can also be utilized as vent stacks for both Radon gas and any internal toilets thereby avoiding unsightly surface mounted soil vent pipes. Robust detail Cappings Anchoring Squat, short chimneys. Avoid long spindly types 288 284 286285 287 290 291 295 296 297 294293289 292
- Galway County Council These type of roof-lights have over the years become a dominant feature with single storey designs - where attic space has been utilized for extra accommodation, - the result of excessive roof spans from double room deep plans. These dormers become a dominant ‘feature’ to the point of cluttering the roof which is often compounded by the use of white PVC cladding and boxy eaves. Where there is a need for day-lighting to an attic space, it is desirable to use flush profile roof-lights as these provide a clean roof profile and give extra daylight over roof dormers. Depending on location and design, it may be more desirable to allow a storey & half with eaves dormers rather than single storey with attic dormers. This will allow for a clean roof plane while maximizing attic floor space for accommodation. (refer to heights). Dormers - roof lights Page no. 41 Dormers should only be considered with restraint and which follow these basic design principles : • On public visable elevations—flush rooflights are preferable to multiple dormers • Dormers may be appropriate to unseen public elevations but require considerable design restraint. • Avoid the use of white PVC cladding - as a rule of thumb, the vertical cladding should be the same material as the main roof. • Fascias and soffits should be minimized and again the same colour should be used as the main roof. • Windows should also be the same colour as the roof material. • Eaves / wall plate dormers are preferred but require considerable design. • The number and location of eaves dormers along with rainwater downpipes should also be considered so as to avoid their proliferation and visual clutter. Eaves dormers - contemporary XAvoid excessive use of dormers - they dominate and erode the roof-scape. If used they should be located to rear elevations and clad entirely in the same material as the main roof avoiding a clutter of various materials and colours. These images illustrate a sensitive integration of roof-lights and patent glazing which maintain the roof -scape. Roof-lights provide up to 40% more daylight than the equivalent dormer area of glazing. Eaves dormers - traditional A sensitive dormer / recessed balcony integrated within the profile of the roofscape, Integration - Roof-lights at ridge line - maintaining roof-scape and providing natural daylight 298 301 302 303 304 306305300299 308 307 Dormers
- Galway County Council Windows are perhaps the single most important element of a home in that they provide a dual function by providing both natural light and framing views to the external landscape. In the past, window sizes tended to be small due to the limitations on manufacture. The result was a highly distinctive solid to void relationship between walls and openings which added to the refined and robust appearance of the rural home. Windows - Solid to void proportions Page no. 42 Large openings should be reserved to those areas of the house for living which can maximize the benefits of passive solar gain from direct sunlight. These require careful siting and design as conflicts may occur between the need for daylight and privacy where the south aspect is facing the main road. Consideration of both north and south aspect should determine the sizing of windows, which as a rule of thumb means large glazing to the south and small windows to the north to reduce heat loss. With advances in material technology and greater economic means, there are such few limitations in terms of size and shape. Recent trends have been to choose windows with increasing dimensions and a variety of shapes all assembled into random and discordant compositions which appear confusing and at odds with the rural characteristics as outlined below. It is necessary for all habitable rooms to have a minimum window size which is 10% of the floor area. However this needs to be considered in the context of the elevations, so as to provide a high solid to void ratio and good proportions. The accepted practice of a rhythm of vertical openings is a tried and tested model. In exceptional cases where a high architectural design necessitates a horizontal opening to balance the overall elevation composition should this accepted practice be reconsidered. Large openings to south aspect - solar gain + natural daylighting Small openings to north aspect - to reduce heat loss + maintain privacy Cluster of small openings - well proportioned solid to void Aspect Precedent of well proportioned solid to void openings which inspire contemporary solutions of vernacular design and reinforce the regional identity. Proportion + Emphasis Contemporary vertical + Horizontal compositions Traditional vertical emphasis - with good solid to void proportions A contemporary example above, illustrating that horizontal windows can provide a compositional balance with excellent solid to void proportions while framing the landscape beyond 309 310 315 316 317 318 319 314 313 312 311 ‘A window to our past’
- Galway County Council The choice of window type and its style can greatly alter the design and character of a house and it is therefore crucial that a clear understanding of traditional window types are highlighted so as to make informed choices which reflect these principles. Windows - Size, shape & materials Page no. 43 The size of the window does not need to be small to respect tradition. What is important is the proportions and a good solid to void ratio. Where there are horizontal or corner windows these should only be utilized only with a skillful Architect / Designer so as to achieve a harmonious balance and composition of solid to void and to frame a particular site view. Issues such as maintenance free have taken precedent over traditional craftsmanship and attempt to imitate the style and material finish but do not achieve the visual depth. Poor window shapes, cheap material choice for short term economic gains and poor colour selection all compound the issue of unattractive windows. Window design should add to the overall elevation composition with successful designs paying particular attention to such details. Corner window to frame a view - requires considerable design skill Size & shape Material choice + colour Coloured aluminium / timber composite Projecting bay windows - these cantilevered bay windows illustrate the lightness achieved using glass, rather than heavy clumsy solutions which have stone, plaster, glass, pvc and tiles. With advances made in technology and the need for greater energy efficiency requirements, there is now a wide choice of windows types available. Consider the merits of each before selection. Picture Window - framing a horizontal landscape 320 321 323 324 325 331 330 329 326 327 328 322
- Galway County Council Traditionally these were the only means of expression to a house’s identity, weather by painting with a contrasting colour or by the use of stained glass. Entrances often expressed the character of the house by means of colour and glazing to indicate an inviting or private presence. Other aspects which are important considerations are security and level access thresholds which must comply with part M of the building regulations. Doors + entrance porch Page no. 44 Front door - Entrance porch criteria • Reflect shape of opening. • Openings should be well located and proportioned and provide an adequate source of natural light. • Introduce visual interest by creating a design counterpoint. • Take care in selection of materials. Historically they were painted but in recent years PVC has taken over. This presents issues in terms of aesthetics and sustainability in that they are difficult to maintain and recycle in an environmentally friendly way. Doors which are sourced from managed forests are the preferable long-term environmental solution. • Allow sufficient access for ambulant persons and apply provisions for life-time design. • The location of post-boxes, electrical meter boxes and external lighting should be discreetly located to avoid unsightly utilities to the front elevation. Part M - Access Ramp - no step Level access threshold - no step A key characteristic to the entrance of rural housing is the porch. The porch provides a number of functions in that it creates a buffer or transition to the interior spaces, a means of shelter from the weather and forms an interesting visual reference to announce the main entrance. Traditionally, the front door formed a direct access to the main living area from the exterior. In order to conserve energy it is now imperative to provide some form of transitional space, so as to conserve fuel and energy consumption. The porch therefore plays a key role in both an aesthetic and functional sense and great care is needed in their design. Porches do not necessarily need to be placed to the front of the home. Generally the location of the entrance should avoid the prevailing winds and therefore may necessitate the porch to be located to the side or rear. Consideration should also be given to the ‘subtractive volume’, as opposed to an additive volume, which can provide an interesting shadow play and give the elevation some visual depth. Contemporary loggia - recessed forms Porches - additive and recessed forms Additive and recessive porch forms - providing an iconic focal point of arrival - the porch should not dominate the elevation but contribute to the overall composition. Front Doors - ‘first impressions’ Iconic additive forms - announcing the entrance 332 333 336 337 338 339 340 341An inviting entrance 334 335
- Galway County Council Recent trends or design features to both new and existing houses have been the introduction of conservatories - while they have a key functional role in terms of passive solar gain the majority of conservatories are merely add-on features and compounded by the fact that little consideration has been given to their purpose by siting them to the east or north. Their transparent nature can provide a visual counterpoint to the more solid appearance of the main house, but this requires great design skill. Conservation of Fuel and Energy Current building regulations and EU directives seek to conserve heat losses and reduce carbon emissions by increasing insulation standards and applying heat energy ratings. With ever decreasing fossil fuels, new means of heating and energy conservation will need to be considered and integrated into design as a long term sustainable solution. Sunspaces - Integrating passive solar design Page no. 45 New ecological house designs integrate such sunspaces within the main building form with a transitional volume internally which can be utilized in the summer to provide a free source of heating by passive solar gain and natural day-lighting and can be closed off during the winter months so as to conserve energy. Ventilation requirements are also a necessary consideration with sun spaces so as to avoid over-heating problems in the summer months. They should therefore be designed so as to provide visual interest to the glazing proportions and provide the necessary passive ventilation. X Avoid conservatories which are merely ‘add - on’ features, which have no regard to their orientation, designintegration or solar gain. Poorly orientated conservatories will only compound the problem of heat losses in winter and excessive solar gain in summer, making the space un-habitable for up to six months of the year. Design integration - sustainable living Sub-urban - projection 342 343 344 348 349 345 346 347 Solar Strategies - capture the solar gain from a south aspect Contemporary examples which illustrate good design integration
- Galway County Council Sense of Identity A strong design characteristic of our built heritage has been the use of locally sourced building materials which define a regions character. This indigenous approach and an economy of means fostered by local craftsmanship, formed a regional vernacular identity which is a legacy and benchmark that should be reinforced by a modern idiom and not eroded by pastiche. Areas along exposed coastal locations can be distinguished by there iconic white washed rendered walls. A lime render was often applied to the stone walls which allowed the walls to breath. The recent trend of removing a render finish to expose the stonework is a practice which should be discouraged as the buildings interiors are vulnerable to water ingress. This practice also encourages the use of stone ‘veneer’ cladding to new houses which are ‘non functional features’ and therefore erode the clarity of our vernacular buildings. Finishes - Regional identity Page no. 46 When choosing external finishes they should meet certain criteria - • Ensure they are robust enough for their location. • Ensure they are selected to compliment and assimilate the natural and rural surroundings. • The amount and variety of finishes should be minimized - ‘the house should not appear as an advertisement for the builders merchant’. The proliferation of material features can result in a cocophony effect - remember the overall composition should read as one of clarity, robustness and refinement. Materials + Technology One of the most immediate visual references which define a regions character is the use of indigenous materials. Thatch roofs were in the past an iconic example, with few remaining examples. As our economy of means evolves - so to will the advances in materials and technology. Our buildings are a record of this material evolution which should register these advances yet retain a sense of rural identity. Cedar cladding / timber windows Zinc galvanised metal cladding Natural slate / cedar timber cladding / timber windows / pre-coloured render This photo illustrates the evolving nature of design, building technology and energy conservation. The form may be at variance to rural design yet compensated by high levels of energy conservation and is sited in a natural tree screened area. Avoid frills to compensate for poor design Contemporary rural house - refinement, clarity and robustness of detail X 359357 356355 352 351350 Local stone / timber windows / limestone lintels / natural slate 358 360 354353 361 ‘Less is More’
- Galway County Council One of the most distinctive characteristics of the rural landscape is the use of stone wall field boundaries. Variations occur due to the geological base of a particular region which vary from the carboniferous limestone of the Burren landscape in the south of the county, to the variety of granite within Conamara. Stone buildings were distinguished into two main categories - that of the cut stone structures of Banks, Courthouses and Churches, with a less refined stone to utilitarian buildings such as barns, mills and farm outbuildings. This allowed for a clear distinction between buildings and their function through the use of appropriate materials. Stonework is such an important indigenous craft and apart from boundary stonewalls can provide attractive alternatives and should be encouraged in the following circumstances. Stone - Geology, craft and material Page no. 47 • The use of stone cladding to ancillary wings and boundary walls will provide visual contrast, reduce the apparent bulk and anchor the dwelling to the landscape. • Some landscapes which are visually vulnerable will benefit from the use of the local stone as the main external finish and help to blend and assimilate their natural surroundings. • In more modern solutions the interplay between stone and glass can provide interesting compositions of heaviness and lightness. • When choosing materials for external finishes, it is important that they portray an honesty and are not applied ‘veneers’ to give the effect of the real thing. Materials should be allowed to weather with a natural patina which can add to the character of both the building and landscape. Stone which is indigenous to a particular area should only be used in that area. East Galway’s geological base is limestone whereas Conamara’s base is granite. Part of the character which defines an area is its stone and it would therefore be considered incongruous to build with limestone in Conamara and granite in East Galway. ‘Anchoring’ with stone - use only indigenous stone to area Craft and Tradition Appropriate use of Stone - compositional element Poor practice - do not remove lime render to expose stone. X 368 369 364363 362 367366 Contemporary use of stone Stone ancillary forms These photos illustrate the correct use of local stone - which define regional identity and reinforce the indigenous craft of stone masonry. 365 370
- Galway County Council Hand in hand with the tradition of rendering the external walls is the use of colour to provide a distinctive benchmark in the landscape. A strong tradition with our vernacular cottages was the use of white-wash contrasted with strong colours to highlight particular elements such as doors and windows. The walls should be generally painted in light colours which contrast with the dark colours of the roof-scape and particular design elements which compliment the overall colour composition. Colour - External treatment Page no. 48 Natural material finishes - blending with landscape hues Today the choice of colour available is unlimited and as such, great care is needed when considering an appropriate colour. As a general rule of thumb, the selection of earth tones will best suit the natural landscape and when selecting, it is best practice to first prepare a sample chart of the colours and hues of the natural landscape near the site and its seasonal changes. This may inspire the selection of not just the colours but also the choice of material finishes which will compliment the seasonal variations of the natural surroundings. These pictures illustrate successful use of natural materials which compliment the natural surroundings and blur the contrast between building and landscape. Where visual amenity is high, choice of external materials is very important in terms of durability and assimilation. These pictures illustrate the use of light colour rendered walls with individual elements such as doors and windows painted in bold and vivid colours. Avoid strong colours - more suited to urban context When selecting colours, it is important to consider the surrounding context. Strong or garish colours work best in urban streetscapes but appear incongruous in a rural landscape setting. There are occasions where complimentary colours work in the countryside. Such a precedent would be the iconic red corrugated barn set against a green landscape. Colour & Tradition 376 371 372 373 374 379 377 378 384 385 386 387 383 380 381 382 375
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