DUA's 'foxes grove' house in dublin offers cozy spots for family members

‘foxes grove’ by dua, Challenging the conventional

Ireland-based studio DUA (Design Urbanism Architecture) has completed ‘Foxes Grove,’ a two-story family house in the suburbs of Dublin. Located in a corner site, the final project expresses itself as a timber structure mimicking the form of the neighboring houses. However, in an attempt to go one step further from the conventional dwelling models of the area, the design team incorporated the existing boundary wall in the ground floor plan, all the while respecting the front and rear building lines of the housing estate. Meanwhile, clear geometrical openings cut out precisely the timber envelope, letting plenty of daylight enter the volume from different directions. all images by Shane Lynam

vibrant interplay with light and shadow

The dwelling is assembled from a timber frame structure erected within three days. This is reflected externally by the Siberian larch cladding that hovers above the ground and maneuvers up and down around the perimeter of the house, as it comes in contact with the boundary walls.

Furthermore, with its strategically-positioned strips, the cladding filters southern light into the interior. In the morning hours, natural light pours in and enlivens the timber surfaces, enabling a dance of shadows that changes during the day. Thus, with ‘Foxes Grove’, the architects (see more here) sought to offer occupants a sense of surprise and discovery; an experience that changes day after day.

playful spotS for young and old

When it comes to the interior, the design team sought to form cozy spaces with different functions while allowing for visual communication between them. Hence, they subtly divided the ground level by sinking the dining area. The highlight of the interior is an informal hang-out space made of a net that hovers in the triple-height void space. This spot for young and old adds a playful touch to the interior. There, the members can interact, reflect and gaze at the clouds drift by.

Inside, natural wood and concrete define the material palette. The wood finish welcomes inhabitants in a warm, embracing environment. A plywood wall runs through the ground level concealing the utilitarian spaces, such as the staircase, bathroom, storage room, and kitchen units. On the other hand, a raw concrete floor creates visual contrast to the wooden accents, letting the beautiful textures coexist harmoniously. Walking up, one meets the two sleeping areas separated via an eaves roof light window and triple-height space lined with plywood. Thus, plenty of warm daylight tackles the interior below while creating a visual interaction between the different floors. 

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project info:

name: Foxes Grove

architects: DUA – Design Urbanism Architecture
design team: Darragh Breathnach, Joe Keohane, Giovanna Santoru

construction company: Ambihouse

consulting engineers: Robert Barry Consulting Engineers

location: Dublin, Irland

photography: Shane Lynam

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom