Our designs are defined by our clients’ needs and by the specific qualities of each site, but also by the values that we develop through practice, many of which our clients share. Some of the core values which inform our work are described below
Low Carbon
This means the use of low-embodied carbon construction materials, and the maximisation of energy efficiency in the use of buildings. We have extensive experience in passive house construction and in best practice energy and carbon efficient design.
Timber Construction
The use of timber goes hand in hand with minimising embodied carbon. Timber is a highly versatile, renewable, durable and beautiful material, and we strive to realise the potential of new timber technologies in all projects.
Landscape
While each project finds its own particular character, they are each in the end a silent background to life and nature. Through a deep consideration of landscape and context we ensure each building becomes an integral part of its place.
Participative Design
As a founder of SOA we firmly believe that that the future users of buildings should be instrumental in their design and realisation. From individual homes to collective projects, this participation is always a source of originality and insight.
Space & Light
The simplest qualities. In Ireland the light is soft, indirect and delicate, and its qualities are most apparent in generous, calm spaces which are connected to the changing sky
Project Development
Through SOA we have developed an understanding of the financial, legal and organisational pathways to realising a collaborative housing project. We believe in proactive engagement to make more diverse, exciting housing prototypes a reality.
Conservation
We see conservation both in terms of the preservation of historic value and of the obligation to preserve useful building fabric to minimise the carbon footprint of new construction.
Simple. Natural
The use of a small number of natural materials, imaginatively combined, can create the most compelling spaces. We try to use simplicity to draw attention to the character and qualities of natural and crafted materials
Our design process begins with conversations with our clients, and with a careful investigation of the qualities of the site. We develop our designs using sketches, models, computer modelling and rendering, and drawings which become more precise as the design evolves. These methods help the process of discovery, and are also essential tools for communication with clients.
We are also a founder member of SOA, a not-for-profit collaboration which works to support the establishment of Community Led Housing in Ireland. We recognise the dysfunctional nature of the Irish system for the supply of housing, and we believe that Community Led Housing, in its many forms, can contribute to a more diverse, humane and affordable, and less profit-driven model of housing provision in Ireland. We urge anyone with an interest to visit www.soa.ie, to attend an event, and to get in touch with us through Found Architecture or by emailing hello@soa.ie