2020 Architects were asked to take a newly purchased, but dated 1980s house, and turn it into a dramatic, low energy, modern family home. Located where Lough Swilly meets the Atlantic Ocean, there was great scope for redesign and improvement.

To make the house work for the family, 2020 totally reshaped the internal layout, changing the flow of the rooms. The small rooms, with no or little view and limited natural light were transformed into bright, open and modern spaces with panoramic views over the sea.

2020 created a new entrance hall which is flooded with light and terminates with a full wall of glass looking out to the garden. A dramatic new modern staircase with a recessed timber handrail rises up to a floor to ceiling south facing window.

The house was opened up to create a new open plan living, kitchen, dining space, breaking out to a covered, outdoor dining space. This area overlooks the water with a statement shuttered concrete outdoor fireplace, seating bench and chimney.

On the first floor a master suite matching the quality of the design has been created, comprising of a large dressing room, ensuite and bedroom with views over the landscaped gardens and down the shore of Lough Swilly.

Externally the change is most visible and radical. The house has been totally transformed from the bland and unloved old house into a sharp, modern home with the texture of wood in the shuttered concrete elements used to soften and add texture to the crisp, white exterior.