Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

Rural DesignAdvice forIndividualHouses in theCountrysideLimerick County CouncilJuly 2012

Limerick County CouncilCounty HallDooradoyleCounty LimerickRural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside:Limerick CountyFirst Publication May 2007Updated July 201249 O’Connell Street, LimerickAll rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproducedin any form (including by storage in any retrieval system),transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,or otherwise, or adapted without the written permissionof the authors and publishers.All sketches and illustrations by Jon Elliott

CONTENTSPage1. Introduction 1Purpose of the Design Advice 2Recent Trends 3Structure of the Design Advice 42. Evolution of the Country House 5Learning from the Past 6Castles and Fortified Houses 7Classical Houses 8Country Houses 9Vernacular Cottages 10Public Rural Housing 10Main Features of the Traditional House 11Modern House Types 123. Selecting the Site 13Landscape Character 14Site Location 20Using Natural Features 21Existing Development Pattern 22Roads and Infrastructure 24Site Orientation 25Site Selection Checklist 264. Planning the Site 27Context 28General Design Principles 29Scale, Building Line and Set-back 30Building Form and Proportion 31Topography 33Building Orientation 34Sustainable Site Planning 34Vehicle Access and Parking 41Boundaries 42Garden Design 43Site Planning Checklist 445. Designing the House 45Different Approaches 46Building Form Checklist 50Building Elements 51Building Conversions 586. Designing with the Planning System 61Considering an Application 62Submitting an Application 62Planning Application Drawings 63Appendix 1: Recommended Planting TypesAppendix 2: Building RegulationsAppendix 3: Design StatementCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

INTRODUCTION1.1.IntroductionPurpose of the Design AdviceMain Objectives of the Design AdviceRecent TrendsStructure of the Design AdviceCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside1.

1.INTRODUCTIONPurpose of the Design Advice1.This Design Advice is intended to be a workingdocument that provides a common source of informationand guidance for all those involved with buildingindividual (‘one-off’) houses in the countryside. It doesnot set out a detailed account of all relevant buildingtypes and is not intended as a source of ready-madedesign solutions. Instead, the Design Advice describes arange of general approaches and principles concerningthe planning and design of one-off houses in thecountryside that the Council regard as necessary toconsider in formulating specific design proposals.The main emphasis of the Design Advice is to reinforcethe distinctive local qualities of the County. It works onthe basis that new development in the countrysideshould share some of the characteristics that define thelocality in which it is located. It should be clear that thenew house has appropriate features in common withbuildings and landscapes of a similar kind in thesurrounding area.2.The Design Advice also recognises that it is necessary toreinvent the country house and develop a new ruralarchitecture for the 21st century, rather than simplyremodelling or recreating the methods and manners ofthe past.Applicants for planning permission shall submit a designstatement, which explains why a particular designsolution is considered the most suitable for a particularsite (see appendix 3) and show how they have givendue consideration to the objectives and principles set outin the Design Advice in the formulation of proposeddesign.3.Main Objectives of this Design Guide To stimulate debate about one-off house designs; To foster greater consistency in planning decisionmaking; To inform and inspire applicants, builders, designersand planners; and To help conserve and enhance the landscape andenvironment in County Limerick.4.The Design Advice should be read in conjunction withthe provisions of the current Limerick CountyDevelopment Plan.2.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

INTRODUCTION1.One-Off Rural Houses – Permissions Granted in County Limerick 2007-2011Recent TrendsIn recent years there has been an unprecedented trendtowards development of one-off housing throughout ruralIreland. Between 2007 and 2011 planning permissionwas granted for 51824 one off houses in the Country.In County Limerick approximately 1,900 one-off houseswere granted planning permission in the opencountryside between 2007 and 2011.The relatively high proportion of population living in thecountryside, combined with a dispersed settlementpattern, make buildings a pervasive element of theCounty’s landscape.economic and social structures. Newer buildings reflectthe rapid pace of recent social change, usually departingfrom earlier building forms and materials and oftenlacking local distinctiveness.The demand for one-off houses will continue, and it isincreasingly recognised that high quality design andprotection of natural resources are essential tosuccessfully integrating such housing within thelandscapes of County Limerick.Whereas the form, materials and construction methodsof older buildings tended to reflect the adaptation of ruralsociety to its varied environments and particularCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside3.

1.INTRODUCTIONThe Local Planning Authority will promote increasedawareness of good quality design in the countrysideby: Providing lists of good local architects and designerswith examples to illustrate their work. Holding workshops and seminars for agentsspecifically involved with one-off housing in thecountryside. Making this Design Advice available to all thoseinterested in the planning and design of one-offhouses (as a purchasable document or to view on theCouncil web site). Organising public displays that illustrate localexamples of successful siting and design. Providing detailed guidance at the pre-applicationstage to ensure that potential applicants are aware ofthe appropriate policies, and less likely to submitproposals that may be refused. Operating a new Design Award Scheme, with aspecific category for ‘Best new single house in thecountryside’. Requiring the submission of a design statement withall planning applications, to explain how the proposeddesign is suitable for the proposed site (see appendix3).Structure of the Design AdviceFollowing this Introduction, Section 2 of the DesignAdvice presents a brief overview of the evolution ofdifferent house types in County Limerick, from themedieval tower house through to the modern bungalow.Section 3 provides guidance on the considerations forselecting a suitable site for potential development and, inparticular, on fully understanding the landscape context.Section 4 is concerned with the principles of acceptablesite layout, including the importance of sustainable siteplanning and energy efficiency. Section 5 providesguidance on designing the main elements of the house,and Section 6 presents information required for making aPlanning Application.The Appendices provide further technical information tohelp inform and guide the planning application process.5.Recently constructed one-off rural houses6.4.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSE2.2.Evolution ofthe CountryHouseLearning from the PastCastles and Fortified HousesClassical HousesCountry HousesVernacular CottagesPublic Rural HousingMain Features of the Traditional HouseModern House TypesCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside5.

2.EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSEThe new country house is aresponse to a revitalisedpassion for countrysidelivingLearning from the PastIn recent times the countryside has progressivelybecome a more attractive place in which to live. With thedecline in agricultural employment has come a new typeof rural dweller, with particular requirements and a newform of building.By far the greatest pressure for one-off housing in thecountryside is now urban-generated. The traditional andclassical models that characterised the landscape up tofifty years or so ago have been replaced by differentstylistic elements that do not always respond positively totheir rural context.7.The character of rural County Limerick is defined by itsdifferent landscapes containing a range of traditionalbuildings. For generations people who lived in thecountryside were directly related to or involved in ruralactivities. This was reflected in the design of ruralhouses, dictated by the requirements of shelter, access,drainage, available materials and skills, as well ashistorical and cultural influences.8.Traditional domestic architecture can be simplydivided into two main types, reflecting thecircumstances and social divisions of history – thevernacular cottage descended from medieval andpre-historic roots, and the ‘Classical’ house thatemulated the principles of the EuropeanRenaissance.The formal floor plan, use of materials, white walls,regular windows, pitched roofs, simple details andeconomic use of scarce resources gives a sense ofcontinuity between the smallest cottage and largestcountry house.The traditional buildings of the County tend to be verysimple, and built of a limited range of locally availablenatural materials. Many were only one room deep, givinga narrow rectangular plan form which could be extendedsequentially. The addition of byres and ancillarybuildings, with lean-to and split level roofs, onto thegable ends of single-storey houses was common, addingvariety and visual interest to the simple rectangular form.Traditional two-storey houses were of simple classicalproportions, with symmetrical façade and plan layout,translated from the grand country house through to themore humble farmhouse.Wherever possible, the design of new houses in thecountryside should respect and build upon this strongtradition, while interpreting present domestic needs in acontemporary way that continues to reinforce the builtheritage of the County.6.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSE2.Castles and Fortified HousesIn medieval times defence was the main priority and thetower house a common feature of the landscape.Although now mostly in ruins, many examples surviveand the number of castles in Limerick exceeds any othercounty in Ireland.9.The late 16 th /early 17 th century saw gradual change fromwell-defended but uncomfortable tower houses to morecommodious, better lit accommodation, with anincreased emphasis on privacy. As defence became lessof a priority, the surrounding high walls were adapted toform an enclosed courtyard, extending the influence andreinforcing the domestic uses of the dwelling. Massivechimney stacks, usually on gable ends, were a commonfeature. Stairs were often added to an adjoining tower,rather than within the house – reinforcing the simple L, Tand H shaped courtyard plan forms.10. 11.By the 18th century, most of the fortified houses hadbeen enlarged and altered, for practical reasons but alsoto reflect the architectural fashions of the day and thedesire for imposing a new Classical order on thelandscape.12.13. 14.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside7.

2.EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSEClassical HousesAround the early 18 th century the undefended Classicalhouse with stables and outbuildings, developed from thefortified tower house and became the dominant featureof the landscape - commonly known as the ‘Big House’.15.The distinctive features of these usually lavish housesincluded an imposing tall box form, typically square orrectangular with pedimented front and lines of regularGeorgian windows. The defensive bawns were replacedby walled gardens. The Big House, often sited in ademesne with high walls and set in a designedlandscape of walks and vistas, retained a sense ofdefensibility through a solid, closed quality – echoing thetradition of the tower house.Although such houses were often of a grand scale, theypresented a simplicity and clarity of plan and elevation,reflecting scarce resources and close proximity toagricultural reality. Many shared a formality andsymmetry which was to become influential in a widerange of 18 th century buildings, giving a formal traditionthat extended from simple farmhouses to the largestmansions.16.17.8.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSE2.Country HousesIn the late 18 th and throughout the 19 th century new twostoreyand slated houses were increasingly built for theminor gentry, prosperous farmers and professionalpeople. These often substantial dwellings, developed aselaborations of the basic vernacular patterns, reflectedthe emergence of a clear social hierarchy within the ruralpopulation.18.Two slightly different house types emerged - one withpitched roof and chimneys on gable ends, and the otherwith hip-ended roof with chimney stacks on either side ofa central hall. Both types adopted features from formalhouses, such as large symmetrical windows and central(direct entry) front door with a ‘Georgian’ fanlight above.All tended to conform to the vernacular pattern of simpleplan form, one or two bay deep, arranged around acentral hallway. The main exterior elevation was plainwithout detail or additions. Larger, more elaborateversions of both are also common, including some 3-storey examples.19.20.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside9.

2.EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSEVernacular CottagesExpansion of agriculture and the rural population duringthe 18th and early 19th century led to the construction offamiliar ‘cottage’ architecture located on the estates ofthe Big House, in farmyards and by the side of roads allover the country. These humble dwellings, developedfrom the archaic structures of long houses or byredwellings, presented a natural classic balance in thearrangement of simple materials and structure.21.Predominantly single-storey with a simple rectangularplan, the vernacular cottage was rarely more than oneroom in width and with each room opening into the nextwithout a passage. Nearly all were of rubble stone andmudwall construction, with primitive roof trusses, and sodor thatch oversailing roofs. Simple doorways and smallsquare windows were located on side rather than endwalls, often randomly placed but mostly central to themain elevation. Walls were thick plastered andwhitewashed.22.Many older cottages were enlarged incrementally tomeet the specific requirements of the family, sometimesby elongation (incorporating attached byres and shedsinto the house) or by additions to the original structure toform domestic courtyards.Public Rural HousingThe cottage vernacular was carried into the 20 th centurywith rural public housing, when local authorities rehousedlarge numbers of low income groups from ofteninsanitary accommodation.23.24.These County Council pattern-book houses wereessentially improved versions of traditional dwellingsHipped roofs were replaced with gables and thatch withslates. Windows were arranged symmetrically aroundthe front door. The pitched roofs, usually with a centralchimney, contained lofts lit by gable windows, providingbedrooms on an upper floor. Numerous examples werebuilt in small groups, close to the large estates and maincities. More were provided for ex-servicemen after WorldWar 1. The simple houses were often painted andpersonalised in various other ways to meet therequirements of the owners.10.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSE2.Main Features of the Traditional Rural County HousesCountry HouseVernacular Cottage Two-storey, formal architectural tradition. Deep elementary rectangular plan, usually oneroom deep. Rendered stone construction with slate roofs. Simply proportioned, symmetrical arrangementof windows around central door. Central hallway giving access to two groundfloor rooms occupying full width of house. Two or three bedrooms on upper storey. Sometimes large scale and with sufficient spacearound to form a presence in the landscape. Consistent roof pitch (40 o -50 o ), with eitherchimneys on gable ends or located centrally. Hipped or gabled slate roofs. Slates flush with eaves and gables (nooverhanging eaves or barge boards). Large windows with vertical emphasis. Georgian fanlight above front door. Outbuildings/walled enclosures to side or rear,usually developed as a composition and shapedinto courtyards. Often formal garden to front, with workingcourtyard to rear. Similar forms widely built up to the 1950s. Single-storey, vernacular tradition. Elongated rectangular plan, one room deep,giving long low frontage. Simple structure of locally-available materials(stone, timber, thatch/slate). Entrances and windows placed on side ratherthan end walls. Direct-entry door, usually placed centrally. Each room opening onto next without passageor central hall. Modest scale, low ceilings and eaves level. Consistent roof pitch (40 o -50 o ), with singlechimney usually located to one side of the door. Hipped or gabled roofs, thatch replaced withslate (or corrugated iron). Slates flush with eaves and gables (nooverhanging eaves or barge boards). Roof space sometimes used for bedrooms. Rendered and painted walls. Sheds and outbuildings incrementally added,often forming sheltered cluster. Generally located where sheltered from wind,using landform to create improved microclimate. Porch as a common addition. Developed forms include rural public housingwith attic bedrooms and, more recently, thedormer house.Adaptation of traditional formsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside11.

2.EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTRY HOUSEModern House TypesBungalowsThe bungalow type of development that is now allpervasivein rural areas was for the most part greatlyinfluenced by foreign suburban house catalogues of the1960s and early-1970s. Typified by a large mixture ofoften contrasting materials, disproportionate windows,expansive low pitched roofs, suburban-style landscapingand rigid siting, the majority of modern bungalows havelittle or no reference to the more traditional building typesof the county.Dormer HousesThe dormer house emerged from the 1960s onwards inresponse to gaining more accommodation in the roofspace. Most were derived from pattern-book designs thathad no basis in traditional architecture, resulting in anuninhibited range of mostly suburban forms and styles.Typically comprising irregularly pitched and shapedroofs, asymmetrical elevations, ill-proportioned doorsand windows, artificial materials and elaborate detailing,together with often poor siting within expanses of lawn,the dormer house usually appears alien to the ruralsurroundings.Two-storey HousesNumerous large two-storey houses in a wide variety ofstyles have been more recently constructed throughoutthe county to meet the growing demand for living in thecountryside. Whereas many of these may makereference to traditional forms, the majority appear overscaledor unnecessarily elaborate in their detailing. Thesimple elegance of vernacular buildings has beenavoided in the quest for making individual statements,while innovative design in a contemporary form is rarelyachieved.12.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.3.Selecting theSiteLandscape CharacterSite LocationUsing Natural featuresExisting Development PatternRoads and InfrastructureSite OrientationSite Selection ChecklistCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside13.

3.SELECTING THE SITEIf a proper fit in thelandscape is notachieved, then even awell-designed buildingcan failLandscape CharacterCareful siting and location of new housing in thecountryside are essential to achieve sensitivedevelopment.Much of the character and quality of the countryside inCounty Limerick stems from the presence of a range oftraditional buildings, local styles and local materials.Rural buildings are an important part of the culture,contributing to regional identity, and have developed inresponse to their setting and their function on the land.New buildings need to respect that long-established linkand not attempt to dominate the landscape.County Limerick has a very varied landscape. Much islow and undulating, particularly in the east (GoldenVale), but with considerable elevations to the fringes –including the Galtee mountains to the south-east.Ten landscape character areas are identified in theCounty Development Plan where it is necessary topromote distinctiveness and to ensure appropriate formsof development. These landscapes have differentcapacities to accommodate development. It is thereforecrucial that the proposed location and siting of newhousing fully considers the impact on the landscape, interms of both the immediate and wider surroundings.Particular care needs to be taken to protect thosefeatures that contribute to local distinctiveness, including:The pattern of landscape features (land-cover,habitats, trees, hedgerows);Historic and archaeological areas and features;Water bodies (including rivers, lakes, streams andditches); andRidges, skylines, topographical features, geologicalfeatures, and important views and prospects.14.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.Designing with the LandscapeOverall, a well-designed house must be sensitive to the particular landscapein which it is set. It must be informed by and respond to it, in a way thatreinforces the local character and distinctiveness of an area.For the purposes of this Design Advice the 10County Character Areas have been groupedCounty Landscape Character Areas:into the following 4 landscape zones:1. Slieve Felim Uplands2. Shannon Estuary3. Western Hills/Barnagh Gap/Sugar Hill4. Southern Uplands5. Knockfierna Hill6. Agricultural Lowlands7. Ballyhoura/Slieve Reagh8. Galtee Uplands9. Lough Gur10. Tory Hill Agricultural Lowlands Shannon Estuary Central Uplands Peripheral Uplands1.2.10.9.3.5.6.4.7.8.Limerick County Landscape AreasCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside15.

3.SELECTING THE SITEAgricultural LowlandsThis is the largest landscape character area of theCounty, comprising most of the central plain. The area ispredominantly agricultural, mostly defined by wellestablishedhedgerows and clumps of mature trees.Locally prominent hills and ridges add interest to theotherwise flat landscape.26.There are a number of relatively prosperous estate andtwo-storey farm houses, often with outbuildings arrangedaround courtyards. The largest towns are also located onthe plain and the rapid urbanisation of the county is mostevident in this area. Ribbon development extending fromthe urban centres, housing estates on the periphery oftowns and villages, and numerous one-off houses can bediscordant features of the countryside.27.Agricultural LowlandsHouses located in this character area are often visible formany miles, especially where vegetation is more sparseand if viewed from higher locations. Generally wherenew housing is permitted, it should be located in relationto existing features such as hedgerows and trees inorder to help absorb the impact on the flat landscape.Locally prominent sites should be avoided. Subject to thelocation, two-storey designs based on the proportions ofbuilding forms traditional to the area may be appropriate.In more exposed locations, screen planting and, whereappropriate, sensitive earth moulding would be requiredto help assimilate new development. The favourable soilconditions provide an opportunity for increasing treecover to enhance the settings of isolated houses and thelandscape structure generally.16.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.Shannon EstuaryThis character area comprises a large area of northernCounty Limerick adjoining the Shannon Estuary. To thesouth lies the flat central plain and the undulating hills ofthe Western Uplands. The landscape is flat and mostlyfarmed, similar in character to the Agricultural Lowlandsbut with a more irregular hedgerow pattern and clumpsof trees. The Shannon dominates the general landscapecharacter. Land between the river and the N69 Foynesroad is particularly sensitive to development due to thequality of long distance uninterrupted views and only inexceptional circumstances (e.g. domestic extensions)will new development be allowed between the N69 andthe estuary.Knockfierna is perhaps the most dominant of threeupland areas, rising abruptly from the flat landscape ofthe central plain.Lough Gur is the most significant archaeological site inthe County. The lake is enclosed by undulating hills,offering panoramic views across the central lowlands inall directions. The natural features of the site combine toform a unique landscape resource with a long history ofhuman habitation.Urban influences are also less pronounced with distancefrom Limerick and settlements irregular and more widelydispersed. There are several large estate houses whichhave influenced the design of single rural housing, andtwo-storey farmhouses with outbuildings. Sensitive sitingand design of individual buildings, and a high standard ofsite treatment, will be of particular importance in thislandscape. New development would be limited to singlestorey buildings where close to the estuary.Dramatic landscape of Lough GurTory Hill is another locally important feature of thecountryside, supporting areas of scrub woodland andlimestone grassland. The hill is also of geologicimportance due to the deposits of gravel from the last iceage.29.28.View from Glin to River ShannonGenerally there are far fewer houses within these centralupland areas, and the influences of recent urbandevelopment are less pronounced. Traditional buildingscomprise modest single and 1.5-storey farmhouseswhich have often grown incrementally through theaddition of extensions and outbuildings.Central UplandsThe agricultural lowlands are interrupted by threeprominent upland areas comprising Knockfierna, LoughGur and Tory Hill. These local landforms form dominantscenic components of the County, and also possess avariety of important archaeological sites. The vegetationcover of the higher ground is mostly upland grasslandwith well-developed hedgerow boundaries, smallwoodlands and clumps of trees.Single-storey cottage in the Central Uplands30.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside17.

3.SELECTING THE SITE31.Western UplandsDue to reasons of siting, scale, simplicity in form and useof consistent materials, they for the most part respondsympathetically to their context and appear as an integralpart of the landscape.Any new housing development should fully respect thesensitive landscape and archaeological context of thesesensitive areas. It is essential that the scenic qualitiesare protected, in terms of both immediate views and longdistance views from the surrounding countryside. Thedisruption of ridgelines or development of locallyprominent sites should be avoided.Detailed siting of development should take advantage oflocalised topography and existing vegetation to helpassimilate it in the landscape. Dwellings should be ofhigh quality site-specific designs incorporating materialsthat further assist their integration with the surroundings.Peripheral UplandsThe upland areas of the county comprise the SlieveFelim Mountains to the north-east, the Ballyhoura/SlieveReagh and Galtee Uplands to the south-east, theSouthern Uplands (Mullaghareirk hills) on the Cork andKerry boundaries, and the Western Uplands (Barnaghhill) to the west of Newcastle West, all forming animpressive undulating backdrop to the central plain.The character of these upland areas changes as altitudeincreases, with a predominantly pastoral landscapegiving way to commercial forestry interspersed withupland grassland, heaths and remnant peat bogs.In the vicinity of Lough Gur there will be a presumptionagainst development, including new houses, in the areaof Special Development Control, except in exceptionalcircumstances. Similarly, given the prominent nature ofTory Hill, where the landscape effects would beaccentuated, there is a presumption againstdevelopment in this location.32.View to the Galtee Uplands18.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.The existing settlement pattern of the uplands is sparseand mostly restricted to the middle and lower elevations.Isolated single-storey farms with associated outbuildings,often nestled into the folds of the hills for shelter,represent the traditional form of building.The sensitive conversion of existing buildings would bemost appropriate in these areas.Where new housing is permitted it should be confined tothe lower and mid slopes in order to safeguard thescenic qualities of the hills.In all such sensitive locations new housing should be ofhigh quality, site-specific design, of an appropriate scale,carefully located to respond to the local topography andwith the retention of existing landscape features and theiruse in helping development to successfully blend into thesurroundings.In many of the upland areas there is often an establishedbuilding zone lying between the more exposed higherground of the hilltops and lower-lying areas used forintensive agricultural purposes or which may be subjectto poor drainage. Sheltered sites within these mid-zoneswill be preferable to elevated and exposed locationssuch as hilltops and ridgelines which should be avoided.These and similar natural constraints need to be fullycarefully considered before selecting a site for potentialdevelopment.Avoid exposed hilltops - lack of shelter,buildings would be conspicuousEstablished mid-slope zone - buildingscontained within the landscapeIntensively farmed low-lying areas, orboggy ground subject to frost andfloodingTraditional development siting on mid slopes of upland areasCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside19.

3.SELECTING THE SITESite LocationLocation is concerned with site selection within the moreimmediate landscape. Having assessed the generallandscape characteristics of the area within which newdevelopment may be planned, it is necessary to studythe more detailed attributes of the receiving landscape inorder to choose the best location for the new house.In all cases the Local Planning Authority will require thathouses in rural areas be sited and designed to integratewell with their physical surroundings and be generallycompatible with the following, as set out in SustainableRural Housing, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (April2005):1. The protection of water quality in the arrangementsmade for on site wastewater disposal facilities;2. The provision and safe access in relation to road andpublic safety;3. The conservation of sensitive areas such as naturalhabitats, the environs of protected structures andother aspects of heritage.Siting new development in rural areas in a way thatprotects the integrity of these natural and man-madefeatures is an essential part of sustainable development.The County Development Plan has a key role to play inidentifying such features and providing helpful advice.Some areas of the County are so prominent or otherwisesensitive that it is accepted that any development in suchlocations would be detrimental to the context. TheDevelopment Plan includes specific policies to protectespecially vulnerable areas from inappropriatedevelopment and to preserve important views andprospects where necessary.All new developments in the countryside should aim to fitinto or nestle within the landscape. As previouslyoutlined, the capacity of the rural landscape to absorbbuildings varies greatly according to its character.Generally undulating landscapes are more capable ofassimilating new development than very flat landscapewith limited tree cover.When selecting a site check the Limerick CountyDevelopment Plan, and any Local Area Plans thatmay apply, especially in relation to: Policies for particular landscape areas; Areas designated for heritage or amenity, such asNatural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Special ProtectionAreas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC),and Areas of Archaeological Interest; Archaeology policies, Record of Protected Structuresand the Record of Monuments and Places.If a site falls within or is located close to any such areasit will be necessary to take advice from the CountyPlanning Department before proceeding.New houses in the countryside need to be able to integratewell with their physical surroundings20.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.Using Natural FeaturesThe use of natural features such as the localisedlandform, established trees and boundary hedges can allhelp to assimilate new development into thesurroundings. Such features should be fully appraised atthe site selection stage to ensure that the house isappropriate to the site and its context.Exposed sites with alien landscaping should be avoidedSites with existing vegetation should be selected inpreference to those that are devoid of planting. Setting abuilding against a backdrop of trees can be one of themost successful ways for blending new developmentwith the landscape, especially for flat or gently undulatingareas.Consider the natural qualities of the landscape whenselecting a siteIn all cases where trees exist they should be retained,either singly or in clumps, so as to minimise impact onthe landscape and to provide an immediate andappropriate setting for the new building. Similarly,boundary hedgerows, especially to a road frontage,should always be retained to help enclose and screendevelopment plots.33.New dwelling sensitively integrated with the surroundingsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside21.

3.SELECTING THE SITEExisting Development PatternThe traditional approaches to building patterns and sitelocation can be especially helpful in assessing thesuitability of new development in the landscape.Traditional building forms were either isolated, such as inmore remote areas of the County (or else for defensivepurposes), and elsewhere grouped into small clusters inresponse to practical needs and local climatic conditions.Existing farmMany traditional farmsteads evolved organicallyaccording to the needs of the farm and its changingcircumstances. The main living accommodation would beextended as resources permitted either in a linearmanner, or through the addition of out-buidingsextending to the rear or side of the main house to formsheltered internal courtyards.Such building types can be particularly suitable forreinterpretation in a contemporary manner in order toreduce the overall mass of an otherwise large structureand to provide versatile accommodation to meetchanging family needs.Unacceptable ribbon developmentSimilarly, the provision of new accommodation for familymembers on existing farmsteads can often be bestachieved by locating the building as an integral part ofthe overall farm composition, as opposed to a moreisolated location in poor proximity to the main buildings,or where new building would result in or contribute toribbon development.Possible grouping for family membersProvision for family members on a farm holding shouldpreferably be in the form of a cluster grouped around theexisting building. Vehicle access should be via anexisting internal access lane from the existing entrance,thereby avoiding ribbon development and reducingimpact on road safety.Developed courtyard form22.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.Traditional linear formIn all cases new development should not contribute toribbon development along roads extending from existingtowns and villages or within undeveloped areas betweenexisting building clusters.250m typicalSuch ribbon development is typified by a high density ofalmost continuous road frontage type development, forexample where more than 4 houses exist on any oneside of a given 250 metres of road frontage.Subject to the type of rural area, any prospective site thatwould exacerbate such ribbon development, or lead tothe coalescence of existing ribbon development, shouldbe avoided.Site selection should avoid contributing to or exacerbatingribbon developmentTypical one-off housing leading to ribbon development34.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside23.

3.SELECTING THE SITERoads and InfrastructureThe means of vehicle access to a selected site needs tobe carefully considered in relation to the distance fromthe road and the category of the road. In severallocations in the County the main roads already serve alarge number of houses, creating ribbon developmentextending from and sometimes interconnecting the urbancentres.The Sustainable Rural Housing, Guidelines for PlanningAuthorities (April 2005) restricts access to individualproperties on both national and non-national roadcategories due to safety reasons, preferring sharedaccess to new development away from such roadswhere suitable.35.When considering vehicle access, safety concerns areparamount and proposals need to satisfy therequirements of the Council’s Engineering Department.Where possible, access is preferred from existingentrance points on suitable existing roads, modifiedwhere necessary to meet sightline requirements.The removal of traditional roadside boundaries should beavoided, even if this requires discounting a site wheresuch features would need to be removed for traffic safetyreasons.Roadside boundary features such as hedgerows, ditchesand stone walls should be capable of retention as part ofthe site selection process36.The available service infrastructure in the area should bechecked, such as water and sewerage, telephone andelectricity, etc., and a full site assessment undertaken todetermine whether the ground conditions are suitable,particularly that there is adequate percolation for asewage treatment system.Development will not be permitted where there is poorvisibility along the road from the proposed site entrance, orwhere there is inadequate site depth for set-back of thebuildingEarly consideration should also be given to the proximityof a potential site to existing facilities, such as schools,shops, church and pub, so as to avoid unnecessarytravel and over-dependence on the family car.24.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

SELECTING THE SITE3.Site OrientationNTraditionally buildings in the countryside were positionedto take advantage of natural shelter, such as making useof natural folds in the topography, orientating the buildingin relation to prevailing winds and the path of the sun,and using sheltered areas next to woodlands.Such factors are equally relevant to the present daysiting of houses. Energy-efficient design: recognises local climate and orientation; considers the opportunities a particular site offers forshelter; meets the site constraints positively; and answers the challenge to provide heat, light andcomfortable indoor spaces with minimal use of fossilfuels.WExposed toprevailing windsSNPanoramic viewbut exposed towindsEPanoramic view butexposed toneighbours andwindsShielded fromwindsWShielded fromwinds andneighboursSEAim to selectviews whileretaining privacySelected viewsavoiding exposureto neighboursBuilding orientation needs to take full account of theelements as well as impact on views and neighboursThe application of sustainable design principles, whichrecognise energy efficiency, lifetime cost of materials,non-toxicity, wastewater treatment, and water and wastereduction will produce buildings that are moreenvironmentally friendly. Further guidelines are given inSection 4 - Sustainable Site Planning.Prominent sites exposed to the elements are to be avoidedCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside25.

3.SELECTING THE SITESite Selection ChecklistThe following checklist summarises the main SiteSelection factors that need to be taken into accountwhen considering an application for a one-off house inthe countryside.A Schedule of Documents Checklist for information to besubmitted with an application is given in ‘Your Guide tothe Planning Process’ - refer Section 6 Designing withthe Planning System.Main Factors to be considered:Further Details/Information Assess the suitability of a site in terms of its landscape character andthe sensitivity and capacity of the area to absorb development. Consult with the Local Planning Authority if a site falls within or islocated close to sensitive landscape areas or other environmentaldesignation. Appraise the form of traditional buildings before selecting a site toensure that new development will be compatible with the existingcharacter of the area. Select a site where natural features such as trees and hedgerows canhelp assimilate new development with the surroundings. Avoid a hilly site where development may break the skyline whenviewed from a distance, or would result in excessive cutting or filling ofthe local topography. Avoid elevated and exposed locations such as hilltops and ridgelines,which would increase energy consumption and fuel costs. Avoid sites that are subject to flooding, boggy, or in a frost pocket. Ensure that a site will not contribute to ribbon development or otherinappropriate development form. Consider the proximity of a site to existing facilities, such as schools,shops, church, pub).The County Development Plan identifies10 different landscape character areaswith different capacities to absorbdevelopment.The County also has many designatedareas for environmental protection, e.g.Special Areas of Conservation (SAC),Special Protection Areas (SPA) andNatural Heritage Areas (NHA), as wellas designations for heritage protectionsuch Architectural Conservation Areas(ACAs) and Protected Structures. Thereare also numerous archaeological siteslisted as Recorded Monuments forprotection.Undertake a detailed assessment of thecontext to determine views into and outof the site; landscape characteristics(vegetation pattern, landform, naturalfeatures); development pattern andbuilding types; orientation (sun path andprevailing winds); and access to existingfacilities.26.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.4.Planning theSiteContextGeneral Design PrinciplesScale, Building Line and Set-backBuilding Form and ProportionTopographyBuilding OrientationSustainable Site PlanningVehicle Access and ParkingBoundariesGarden DesignSite Planning ChecklistCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside27.

4.PLANNING THE SITEContextThe new country house reflects a renewed sense ofoptimism and confidence about rural life. It reflects thedesires and preferred lifestyles of an increasing numberof people looking for a combination of the pastoral andthe provincial. The country house has always beenrelated to ideas of status, class, wealth and aspirationsof the owner—it is not just a home, but often a symbol ofsuccess, privilege and social position.To build houses that complement the different landscapecharacters of County Limerick requires a sympatheticand understanding eye, together with construction skilland craftsmanship. The numerous pattern-bookexamples of new houses too often demonstrate theconsequences of inappropriate styling and design.Whereas the grand country house soughtto dominate the landscape, the newcountry house can take the oppositeapproach by seeking to integrate with thelandscape - the setting becomes theinspiration and organising force around thedesign of the building. The new countryhouse seeks a comfortable place withinthe landscape - context is everything.Houses are often designed in a far too fussy and overcomplicatedmanner, using ‘imitation’ materials, underthe misconception that this will create an acceptable‘rural’ effect. The outcome is invariable ‘suburban’, withnew housing that appears awkward within itssurroundings, especially when adjacent properties vie forattention, rather than unobtrusively settling into thelandscape.37.38.28.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.The main approach should be toreinvent the country house anddevelop a new rural architecture forthe 21st century, rather than simplyremodelling or recreating themethods and manners of the pastGeneral Design PrinciplesNew house design needs to respond not only to thecontext of individual sites (as described in the previousSection), but should also reflect modern lifestyles andadvanced building technologies. The objective of thisDesign Advice is to promote high quality design in thecountryside that is innovative and firmly of its time, whilerespecting and contributeng to the character of the area within which it is located.39.The design of new buildings in the countryside presentsan opportunity for re-examining some of the trends thathave dominated traditional and more recent influences,so as to arrive at a fresh approach to design that iscontemporary while being respectful of the past.40.This Design Advice cannot provide a ‘blueprint’ for gooddesign, as this in itself would result in standardisationand lack of innovation. Instead it sets out a number ofbasic principles aimed at achieving more appropriate andgood-mannered rural buildings. Foremost of these iscontext, followed by issues such as proportion, formscale and massing, which all need to be carefullyconsidered in relation to the site and its neighbours.In most cases it is recommended that the services of aqualified architect are sought to deal not only with thedesign of the house, but also to understand theconstraints and steer the development through theplanning requirements, thereby speeding-up the housebuilding process.41.Examples of award-winning rural Irish houses (this pageand previous) illustrating well-considered designsolutions, providing modern living requirements thatrespect the context of the site in terms of siting, proportionand landscaping, while combining an appropriate mix oftraditional and contemporary building styles and materials.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside29.

4.PLANNING THE SITEScale, Building Line and Set-backAt an early stage it is essential to consider the scale ofthe proposed house in relation to both the size of theselected plot and the size of existing buildings in thevicinity. Achieving an appropriate scale of a new buildingin the countryside is one of the most importantconsiderations of the site planning process.A large house located in a landscape of small fieldpatterns or within an area of existing small houses willappear incongruous and over-bearing, whereas a smallhouse isolated within a large plot surrounded by openlandscape will appear equally out of place.Over-scaled in relation to plot and distance from roadGenerally, a large house needs an adequately-sized plotthat is capable of comfortably accommodating it, and isin proportion with the surroundings.New houses will need to be set back an acceptabledistance from the road to provide adequate frontage forplanting and to reduce the visual impact of development.In areas of existing housing, the set back distanceshould generally be varied from that of its neighbours soas to avoid the repetition that may otherwise arise from alinear series of buildings.Generally, a minimum set back of 20 metres from thenearest edge of road surface will be required alongCounty and Regional roads and a set back of 30 metresalong National Primary and National Secondary roads.Along New National Primary Roads a set back of 90metres may be required (although the new developmentmay be located closer if it can be demonstrated thatacceptable noise levels can be achieved). In all casesthe amenities of nearby residents need to be fullyconsidered.Under-scaled and exposed in relation to plot sizeTypical set-backAdequately set-back from road and absorbed by plantingScale and Set-back ConsiderationsCareful consideration also needs to be given to the scaleof proposed building in relation to its neighbours. A largehouse should not be placed in proximity to a small one,and conversely a new small house insensitively locatedcan detract from the appearance of an established largehouse. In all cases, the new building should be arrangedto respect the privacy of neighbours and to avoid anyover-looking.Size of a new house should be suitably proportioned to itsplot and not overwhelm smaller scale neighbours30.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.Building Form and ProportionSimple grouping of building formsNew houses in the countryside should aim to reflect thesimple traditional forms, while adapting to meet modernneeds. Overall, a building’s proportions are determinedby the envelope (the width, height and depth of walls)together with the roof pitch (angle). Traditional ruralbuildings have a wide frontage and narrow plan, whichcontrols their scale and proportions and results in aconstant roof pitch. Altering the proportions of the plan,while retaining the same roof pitch, quickly leads to aless appropriate building form.For most new rural houses, simple, familiar forms willappear most appropriate. The general aim should be toadapt the best from the local elements and to interpretshapes and sizes in a contemporary manner. Achievingthe right proportions of a new building is an essentialprerequisite of successful design.Avoid over-scaling traditional form and altering roof pitch to suitWhere necessary the apparent size of a house can bereduced by breaking down the plan footprint into smallerelements, thereby decreasing the overall scale ofbuilding and providing the opportunity for a moreinteresting built form.Avoid “façade” architecture of all types and periodsA rectangular floor plan maximises light and circulationand, with additions that are subservient to the mainblock, presents a flexible template that can beinterpreted and refined in a variety of contemporaryways. The solutions are almost limitless and need to bedetermined by the owners brief for the new house, thelandscape context, and the detailed siting considerationsas set out previously in this Design Advice.In all situations, new house design must be inaccordance with current Irish building regulations (referAppendix 2). This can require skilful interpretation ofstandards to achieve the best proportional relationshipsand design solutions to sometimes competing objectives. 42.A well-proportioned contemporary houseCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside31.

4.PLANNING THE SITESimple dominant form with additionsAwkward junctions and additions to be avoidedContinuous eaves accentuate linear formTwin “M” ridges reduce excessive depth andoverall bulkAvoid deep complex plans giving a dominant boxy form, unresolved extensions, disproportionate gablingand ‘foreign’ hip detailing43. 44.A new rural house needs to effectively satisfy a wide range of design criteria and building standards32.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.TopographyPositioning of a new building in undulating and hillyareas needs careful consideration to allow a practicalhouse design which does not look out of place. Buildingsthat break or disrupt the skyline should be avoided.Instead the natural folds of the local topography shouldbe used to help absorb the new house. Naturallyoccurringshelves or the gentlest part of a slope shouldbe selected wherever possible in order to minimise earthmoving and to avoid excessive scarring of thelandscape.A new building should respond positively to a sloping siteSloping sites can also present the opportunity forcreating an innovative solution to house design withoutdetracting from the character of the hillside. Byresponding to the difference in levels in a creativemanner, a distinctive stepped construction can beachieved which can be far more appropriate than the useof artificially-created platforms. In such situations thenarrowest elevation of the building should face down thehill, avoiding the need for excessive cut and fill.Avoid over-excavation or creating an artificial plateauContemporary building forms can adapt tosloping sites in innovative waysCareful shaping of the land around the building, with apreference for cut rather than fill, can also help it blendmore successfully with the surroundings while creatingfurther shelter. Excess fill should be either removed orcarefully graded to suit the natural slope of the hillside.Let the natural slope of the land dictate the building formIn flatter and low-lying areas the position of the buildingon its site needs to take full account of views fromsurrounding areas and the means for creating privacyand enclosure. Retaining existing features, building setbackfrom the front of the site and the treatment of theboundaries are all of special importance in such areas.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside33.

4.PLANNING THE SITEBuilding OrientationSustainable Site PlanningOrientation is concerned with the location of theproposed house in relation to views (both to and from thesite) and to the elements (wind direction and path of thesun). The most acceptable site layout needs to achieve anumber of often conflicting considerations, such as viewsand prospects, climate, shelter, privacy, and minimisingimpact on the surroundings.Whereas orientating a house to take full advantage ofviews can be of benefit to the owner, this may well resultin the house being over-conspicuous in the landscape.Sometimes a partial or glimpsed view outwards maysuffice, framed by vegetation or the local topography.Elsewhere it may be necessary to orientate the house sothat just a specific part of it has access to the view (e.g.from a gable end).A thorough site appraisal is required to ensure that viewsboth of and from the property are considered from avariety of different vantage points.Being more efficient in how we use energy in our dailylives can strongly influence the selection of a site. Manydecisions affecting the energy performance of a houseneed to be taken early in the site planning and designprocess. Considering increased energy efficiency at anearly stage can also have immediate benefits such as: Saving money on electricity and heating bills; Creating a more comfortable and convenient home;and Making a vital contribution to reducing climatechange.Energy PerformanceThe EU Directive on the Energy Performance ofBuildings requires every home for sale or rent in Irelandto be rated as to its energy performance. This must bedetermined and demonstrated in two distinct ways - allnew dwellings must address both: Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document - LBuilding form arranged to create shelter and privacyThe Building Regulations require that all houses areconstructed to minimum standards of materials,workmanship, services and energy consumption. TheTechnical Guidance Documents (TGD) give instructionand guidance on the manner in which compliance withthe building regulation can be made. TGD – L concernsenergy use and CO 2 emissions from buildings. Theprimary method of demonstrating compliance with thebuilding regulation under TGD – L is by minimising CO 2emissions associated with energy consumption in thebuilding. The method of determining the energy and CO 2performance is the Domestic Energy AssessmentProcedure (DEAP).Building Energy RatingThe EU Directive on the Energy Performance ofBuildings requires every new home constructed, sold orrented must be rated as to its energy & CO 2performance. New houses constructed after 2007 shouldhave a BER of B1 or better.34.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.Building Location and FormTraditionally buildings in the countryside were positionedto take advantage of available shelter, such as naturalfolds in the landform, orientating the building in relationto prevailing winds and the path of the sun, and usingsheltered areas next to woodlands. Such factors areequally relevant to present day houses for energyconservation reasons.A detached house in the countryside can present a largeexposed surface area that needs to be carefullyconsidered in relation to energy efficiency. Layoutsshould try to avoid any unnecessary exposure to theelements and the new building positioned to takeaccount of the prevailing wind direction (particularly fromthe south-west) and to create a good micro-climate.Internal LayoutOrganise the internal layout of the house to make bestuse of sunshine and daylight - locate the most usedrooms on the south side and least used rooms to thenorth side. As well as reducing energy costs andlowering fuel bills, sunny south-facing rooms have highamenity value. Try to minimise projections such as bayand dormer windows, which increase the surface-tovolumeratio of a building and thereby increase heat loss.They also tend to be more difficult to insulate effectively.Tree and hedge screeningNA compact building form is best for reducing heat loss. Arectangular building with one of the longer facades facingsouth can allow for increased solar heating, day-lightingand natural ventilation. Pitched roofs should also haveone slope orientated south to allow for optimumperformance of a roof-mounted or roof-integrated activesolar heating system.WEvening -living, sittingGarage, storage,servicesDay - living,conservatory,patioStudy, office,kitchenKitchen, breakfast,bedroomsEPrevailingwindsSOrientate the uses of the house to maximise on solar gain.Creating Shelter:Use existing natural features of the site to helpprotect the building from the elements.Arrange the site to guide the wind over and aroundthe building.Use the house, out-buildings and garden walls tocreate a more enclosed micro-climate.Introduce shelter planting of native species to helpdissipate the wind.Retain existing boundaries such as hedgerows, stonewalls or earth and stone banks.45.Traditional grouping of buildings for natural internal shelterCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside35.

4.PLANNING THE SITERenewable Energy ResourcesRenewable energy resources are abundantly availablethroughout Ireland. They offer sustainable alternatives tothe dependency on imported fossil fuels as well asreducing harmful greenhouse emissions.For further details refer to Sustainable Energy Irelandpublications (e.g. ‘Your Guide to Building an EnergyefficientHome’) and to the Limerick Clare EnergyAgency (LCEA) website for available publications anduseful sources of information.The Department of Environment, Heritage and LocalGovernment has published amendments to theExempted Development Provisions of the Planning &Development Regulations 2001, in respect of microrenewablesfor domestic use. The exemptions are awelcome guide to the inclusion of renewable energytechnologies. The exemptions will apply to: Solar thermal panels, up to 12 m2 (with conditions); Solar PV panels up to 12 m2 (with conditions); Heat Pumps, various types (with conditions); Small Wind turbines & masts (with conditions); and Biomass boilers & storage facilities (with conditions).Please Note:Exemption from planning does NOT excuse you from theproper design and installation of micro renewableequipment, and in particular from very strict technicalrequirements for the installation of electrical microgeneration equipment. The Limerick Clare EnergyAgency would draw your attention to the followingrequirements and recommends that you comply fully withthem: A competent person should accurately size the microrenewable installation, contributing to the thermal orelectrical requirements of the building; A competent person should install the microrenewable equipment, storage equipment andcontrols. Connections to the buildings electricalsystem must comply with the latest standards of theElectro Technical Council of Ireland (ECTI); Where such micro electricity generation equipmentmay be connected to the Electricity Supply Grid(directly or indirectly), connections to and from thebuilding electrical system must comply with the lateststandards of the Electro Technical Council of Ireland,and comply with the interface protection settings ofthe G10 standard (Annex A of EN50438); A license (permission) will be required to exportelectricity to the public grid, even if you are exportingit free of charge; and Failure to comply with the technical regulationsoutlined above could endanger the life of electricalrepair persons, and may expose you to severfinancial penalty.46.Award-winning family home based on sustainable designprinciples, including sheltered location, use of a groundsource heat recovery system, high levels of thermalinsulation, maximum use of natural lighting, andmaintenance-free materials.The total aperture of solar panels should not exceed 50% ofthe total roof area.36.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.Solar EnergyWind EnergySolar is a clean, renewable energy generated from thesun. The main domestic applications are:Solar Hot Water Heating Systems - for domesticapplications comprise of a solar collector (solar panel,flat plate or evacuated tube), hot water storage cylinderand a pump. Panels should ideally face south and bemounted on the main property roof, or in some cases ona shed roof or floor/wall mounted. Flat plate collectorscan be installed as an integral part of the roofconstruction, or retrofitted to existing buildings.Solar Photovoltaic (PV) - involves generating electricityfrom the sun's energy that exists in daylight. Groups ofPV cells are electrically configured into modules andarrays, which can be used to charge batteries, operatemotors and to power electrical tools. With a converter,PV systems can produce alternating current (AC)compatible with conventional appliances. PV is silent andhas low visual impact.Solar panels are most effective when located on apitched roof (or a frame of suitable pitch) facing southeast,south, or south-west (preferably). They should notbe in shadow. The pitch of the panel should be between35-45 degrees.If considering the installation of solar panels, you willneed to provide (as a minimum) the following informationto Limerick County Council:Wind turbines harness the wind to produce electricalpower. The efficiency of a domestic system will dependon factors such as location and surroundingenvironment. The LCEA suggest that the useful size fora rural dwelling is 0.6-2.0kW.Because wind speed increases with height, a typicalwind turbine needs to be mounted on a mast or tower.An ideal location is on a smooth-top hill with a flat, clearexposure and free from obstructions such as buildings,woodlands or other large trees that may cause excessiveturbulence. Such siting could result in adverse visualimpacts and needs to be carefully considered in relationto the context of the site.If considering the installation of a wind turbine, you willneed to provide (as a minimum) the following informationto Limerick County Council:Dimensions of the turbine (including rotar blades).Height above ground or building.Material type and finish.Plan showing position on the ground.Brief technical specifications such as power andnoise output (as usually supplied by themanufacturer).Dimensions of the panels, their number, type, and theprojection above the roof slope;Their colour;Plan showing their position on the building;Brief technical specifications such as power output(as usually supplied by the manufacturer); orGrounds for exemption (if being claimed).SEAI operates a number of programmes that providefinancial support in the provision of superior energytechnologies.Scheme eligibility criteria and terms and conditions areavailable from www.sei.ie.There are specific planning requirements for theinstallation or erection of a solar panels and wind turbineson, or within the curtilage of a house, or any buildingswithin the curtilage.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside37.

4.PLANNING THE SITEGeothermal EnergyGeothermal heat pumps - transfer heat from the groundinto a building to provide space heating and, in somecases, to pre-heat domestic hot water. The technologyrelies on the fact that the earth (beneath the surface)remains at a relatively constant temperature throughoutthe year, warmer than the air above it during the winter.A typical system can provide 95%-100% of ahousehold’s heating requirements. The ground sourceheat pump comprises a ground loop (series of pipesburied in the ground either horizontally or vertically), aheat pump, and a distribution system.If considering the installation of a ground heat pumpsystem, you will need to provide (as a minimum) thefollowing information to Limerick County Council:Existing and proposed ground levels in the vicinity ofthe system;The total area of the heat pump;Plans showing position on the ground;Brief technical specifications such as power andnoise output (as usually supplied by themanufacturer); orGrounds for exemption (if being claimed).Biomass EnergyBiomass energy is obtained from organic materials suchas wood (chips or pellets) or natural oils (e.g. from cropssuch as rapeseed). This can be burned like aconventional fuel but unlike fossil fuels the equivalentamount of CO 2 released during burning is reabsorbed bythe new crops and forests replanted after harvesting,resulting in a zero-emission rating.Biofuels are currently 50% cheaper than fossil fuels torun.Wood/biomass pellets (highly compressed dried sawdustand bark) from sustainably managed wood sources (e.g.local woodland or specifically grown tree crops) can beburned in modern, computer-controlled boiler plant toprovide space and hot water heating.A wood pellet boiler is simple to install, and there is verylittle adjustment needed to existing plumbing ifconverting from a conventional system. Wood chipsprovide heating fuel to commercial buildings and may besuitable for domestic biomass boilers. Check with thesupplier of your boiler that it is capable of burning pelletsand chip biomass fuel. Take special care that thestandard of fuel you use complies with the operatingrequirements of your boiler.Water RecyclingRecent concerns over dwindling reserves ofgroundwater, increasing costs of domestic water supply,and costly sewage treatment plants has generatedrenewed interest in the recycling of domestic water.Techniques that need to be considered at the siteplanning stage for reducing domestic water consumptioninclude:Water butt - a simple, low cost method for collectingrainwater from the roof and storing if for use in thegarden (e.g. instead of a mains-water hosepipe forlawns, etc).Rainwater harvesting - provides an efficient andeconomic means for utilising the rainwater coming fromroofs to supply toilets, washing machines and irrigationsystems.Greywater recycling - enables slightly polluted waterfrom the bath, shower and washbasin to be reused in thehouse (e.g. for toilet flushing, in the washing machine,watering the garden or for cleaning purposes).Proprietary systems comprise modular tanks, above orunder ground, gravity fed by the greywater. The clarifiedclean water is direct pressure fed back through thehouse or to an outside tap for re-use.Generally, LCEA would suggest that grey water recyclingis not recommended unless the proper filtration anddisinfection system is used. This would normally entail areed bed filtration with resin filters followed bydisinfection (possibly UV). The use of grey water withoutproper filtration and disinfection can lead to a variety ofodour and possible indirect contamination.38.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.The benefits of water recycling include:Surface Water Drainage Rainwater harvesting (including some versions ofgrey-water recycling) displaces a large proportion ofthe water that would otherwise need to be providedby the mains supply. Typically a household can expect to save up to 50%of their mains water needs, significantly reducingoverall water supply costs. In more remote areas, rainwater can provide for anoff-mains supply, which can be up-graded to fullydrinkable standard (potable) by using non-chemicalultra-violet sterilisation. Rainwater recycling can form part of an attenuationand rainwater management scheme, by reducingstorm-water runoff and controlling the flow-rate offsite.If considering a rainwater recycling system, you shouldtake into account:All domestic buildings should be provided with adrainage system to remove surface water from the roof,or other surfaces where rainwater might accumulate(such as paved areas). Surface water discharge shouldbe carried out to a point of disposal that will notendanger the building, environment or the heath andsafety of people in the vicinity. The preferred method ofdischarge is the Sustainable Urban Drainage System(SUDS), which comprises -Filter strips and swales;Filter drains and permeable surfaces;Infiltration devices; orBasins and ponds.SUDS can be designed to fit into most rural settings anda variety of design solutions are available to suit thespecific site conditions.For rainwater collection, the external drainage of theroof needs to be designed to bring the water to acentral point.Access for an underground storage tank andexcavation is required.Internal plumbing should usually separate out thedrinking (including bathing) water from the nondrinkingwater (WC, washing machine, outside tap).If the site cannot drain to an infiltration system, it may benecessary to discharge to a water course. Where this isnot feasible, surface water should discharge to thenearest storm-water sewer.The discharge of storm-water from roofed and pavedareas to a foul water sewer or onto the public road is notpermitted.Specific information is required to support an applicationfor discharging water to a soakaway, water-course orstorm-water sewer. If in doubt, contact the WaterServices Section of Limerick County Council.Explore new technologies for achieving contemporaryforms improved energy conservationCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside39.

4.PLANNING THE SITEA. Local Sustainable Development Sustainability ChecklistA1 SITE INTEGRATION √ Comment:a. Development strategy demonstrating links to community facilities (educational,social, health)b. Development strategy demonstrating links to commercial facilities (shops,work )c. Development strategy demonstrating links to transport link(s)/ Mass transit,pedestrian, bicycle etc.d. Development strategy demonstrating links to district energy sources (Districtheating scheme, combined heat & power)e. Provision of Household / Garden / Sanitary waste managementf. Other positive ecological features (please specify)A2 LANDSCAPING & SHELTER √ Comment:a. Use of site contoursb. Reduce site exposure via earth beaming, shelter planting, or wind barriersc. Preservation of local florad. Assessment of site liability to floodinge. Site percolation test conductedA3 LOCAL ENERGY AUTONOMY √ Comment:a. Energy from local sustainable resources (low / carbon neutral)b. Site specific Combined Heat & Power (CHP)c. Site specific district heating systemd. Site specific electricity auto generation (from low / carbon neutral resources)e. Other renewable energy sourcesB. Building FabricB1 DESIGN & ORIENTATION √ Comment:a. Minimise surface area for heat loss (in proportion to volume)b. Orientation and internal zoning to facilitate passive solar heat gainc. Orientation to optimise day lightd. Thermal mass to facilitate passive solar thermal gainse. Natural ventilation & coolingf. Sunspaces and collector walls / floorsg. Design for spatial / functional adaptabilityh. Design for accessibilityB2 BUILDING ELEMENTS √ Comment:a. Building Regulation Compliance:-Demonstrate that the building energy & carbon emissions are in compliancewith the current building regulations, Technical Guidance Document (TGD)Part L. The Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure is the primary method ofdemonstrating compliance.b. Assessment of building fabric material procurement from local resourcesc. Assessment of material toxicity and CFC – HCFC freed. Potential for material recycling40.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.Vehicle access and parkingThe space around the new building should beconsidered as an integral part of the site layout, not asan afterthought, and treated in relation to the surroundingenvironment. In particular, the means of vehicle accessand provision for parking should not dominate the site.The driveway should preferably be indirect, gentlycrossing the natural contours of the site or curving subtlyaround existing site features, as opposed to taking aharsh straight line from the road. Surface materialsshould be sympathetic to the rural character of the site(such as gravel with soft edges as opposed to tarmacwith pre-cast concrete kerbs).Cars should be accommodated as unobtrusively aspossible. Frontage parking should be avoided andinstead provided to the side or rear of the house. Wherethe garage is attached, it should be subservient to thescale of the building.Consider vehicle access as an integral part of the site layout47.Avoid over-dominance of vehicle access49.Traditional entranceways48.Indirect vehicle access50.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside41.

4.PLANNING THE SITEBoundariesRoadside boundaries, including hedgerows, sod andstone banks and stone walls, provide important featuresof the landscape and ecology of rural areas.Avoid over-elaborate entrancewaysThe treatment of site boundaries can have a majorinfluence on how well the building sits within thelandscape. New road boundaries and entrances inparticular may appear intrusive in rural areas if notdesigned sympathetically, especially where severaldifferent frontages are adjacent to one another.Entranceways should therefore be kept to a minimumwidth and located according to road safety requirementsand in relation to views of the house (which shouldpreferably not be direct along the driveway).Avoid over-fussy boundary treatmentsThe removal of existing roadside boundaries should beavoided, even if this requires the relocation of a site fortraffic safety reasons. Wherever possible an existinghedgerow, ditch or stonewall should always be retained,and reinforced or repaired as required.3m4.5m45°General principles of splaySplay with rendered walls and traditional barred gateWhere an existing boundary feature needs to beremoved in order to achieve clear forward visibility, thiscan often be effectively set back to achieve the requiredvisibility splay without diminishing the rural character ofthe road.New front boundaries should be restricted to a simplerange of materials that are already common to the area,including stone, low rendered wall with hedge, hedgerowor ditch/earth bank features. Gateways should also besimple, constructed from timber or metal and defined byrestrained piers of stone or painted render.Convex with hedges and traditional barred gateExisting hedgerows are preferable for side boundaries,or simple fencing and new hedge planting. On allboundaries, suburban ranch-type fences of artificialmaterials, concrete block walls and the regimented useof fast-growing conifers should be avoided.Concave with stone wall/hedge and traditional iron gateAim to achieve simple entranceway treatments42.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

PLANNING THE SITE4.Garden Design51.The open space surrounding the house needs to bedesigned as an integral part of the site planning process.In a countryside context a naturalistic approach shouldbe adopted to help assimilate the building with itssurroundings. Manicured suburban-style gardens oftenfound in rural areas appear alien to their surroundingsand do not provide either suitable climatic provision orhabitats for wildlife.The purpose of new planting is not to screen or hide newdevelopment, but instead to help integration with thesurrounding landscape. All existing landscape featuresshould be retained, to provide a structure for thedevelopment and a basis for new planting.Avoid large expanses of grass with hard surface up tobuilding line and ranch-style fencingTrees and shrubs which are locally native will be easierto establish than more exotic species, and will be more inkeeping with the character of the area - refer toAppendix 1 for recommended planting types.In exposed sites, more substantial shelter planting ofnative trees may be required to help reduce the effects ofcold winds and driving rain, whilst also increasing privacyand improving the appearance of the landscape bysoftening building lines.52.The garden also needs to satisfy a number of practicalrequirements, such as fuel and refuse storage areas, acompost/recycling area, clothes drying area, and a safeplace for children to play. These areas should beconsidered from the outset and incorporated sensitivelyinto the overall design of the site.Use existing site features to help absorb the building and/or under-take new planting of mostly native species53.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside43.

4.PLANNING THE SITESite Planning ChecklistThe following checklist summarises the main SitePlanning factors that need to be taken into account whendeveloping an application for a one-off house in thecountryside.A Schedule of Documents Checklist for information to besubmitted with an application is given in ‘Your Guide tothe Planning Process’ - refer Section 6 Designing withthe Planning System.Main Factors: Prepare a detailed analysis of your site showing all existing features. Consider the detailed effects of topography in terms of building form andavoiding excessive cut and fill. Identify south facing slopes and orientation to benefit from solar gain, andnote potential frost and mist hollows, prevailing winds and potential areasof shelter afforded by topography. Examine the requirements for incorporating renewable energy sources. Consider the proportion of the house in relation to the size of the plot andscale of any existing buildings in the locality.Further Details/InformationObtain a detailed survey of the site andits immediate surroundings showingcontours; vegetation; boundaries;existing structures; historical orarchaeological features; all pipes,septic tanks, wells, percolation areas,etc.; roads, rights of way and accesstracks; water courses and wetlands; soiltypes and land drainage characteristics.The Planning and DevelopmentRegulations 2007 make specificprovision for renewable energyinstallations. Ensure that the building can be positioned to avoid overlooking or loss oflight/privacy to neighbouring properties. Ensure that the site has sufficient depth to be able to locate the buildingback from the road edge. Carefully consider the means of vehicle access to the site. Ensure that sufficient front boundary vegetation can be retained whileaccommodating vehicle access requirements. Establish the means for protecting existing trees, hedgerows and banks,and note opportunities for extending existing vegetation patterns into, oraround, the site to help absorb or screen the new development into itssetting. Consider appropriate boundary treatments. Prepare a landscaping plan showing all existing features to be retained andnew planting and hard surfaces.44.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.5.Designing theHouseDifferent ApproachesBuilding Form ChecklistBuilding ElementsConservatories, Garages and ExtensionsBuilding ConversionsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside45.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSEThe use of standard house typesthat take no, or little, account of thecontext of the site or the traditionalstyle of County Limerick is to bestrongly avoidedDifferent ApproachesA sensitively designed house is a subtle blend ofmaterials, scale, proportions and traditional details,producing a timeless composition of unsophisticatedsimplicity. Much modern housing betrays a lack ofappreciation of the distinctiveness of the traditionalCounty Limerick building style, or attempts to mimic itthrough inappropriate plan layouts, styles, decorativemotifs and unsuitable materials. Houses are oftendesigned in a far too ‘fussy’ and over complicatedmanner, using imitation detailing and materials under themisconception that such adornment will create anappropriate ‘Olde Worlde’ effect.It is necessary to take a fresh approach that iscontemporary while being respectful of the past.In many cases, such designs are selected from patternbooks, or else comprise a collection of random designelements chosen from a range of different sources. Theresult is usually confused building forms that frequentlylack visual repose and appear alien to their rural setting -particularly when adjacent properties vie for attention,rather than sitting unobtrusively in the landscape.As described previously in this Design Advice, there area number of basic principles that need to be considered.One of the most important of these is context, followedby issues such as proportion, form, scale and massing,as considered in the previous section of the DesignAdvice. This section describes the more detailedelements of house design that need to be considered inorder to achieve more appropriate and good-manneredrural buildings.Typical over-complicated house types recently constructed54. 55. 56.Successful contemporary interpretation of traditional forms46.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Projecting eaves, modernbargeboard + box soffit detailsApplied stoneworkand decorationInterlocking concrete tilesProjecting balconiesMock Georgian porticosWindows with horizontal emphasis + shuttersBay windowsFlat roof additionsDouble garage doorsand artificial materialsComplexityUnsympatheticTraditional chimney and terracotta potGables used sparingly to create focal points and enclosureConsistently pitched slate roof and verge detailPainted lime-rich renderSimple detailing to window openingsUpper windows beneath eavesSubservient building additionsSingle garage doors ofnatural materialClimbers and shrubs to softenappearance of building and createestablished settingSimplicityWell-proportioned windows with vertical emphasisSimple porch with suitable doorSympatheticCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside47.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSETry to avoid: Shallow pitched, hipped roof Projecting ‘fussy’ bay windows Applied stonework and decoration Over-scaled and elaborate door Randomly placed windows with horizontalemphasis and mixed detailing Dominant garage addition of artificialmaterialsAim to achieve: Uninterrupted pitched roof Eaves with simple end detail Chimneys flush with gables Well-proportioned arrangement of recessedopenings Vertical window emphasis with plastersurround and sill Simple porch and door detailing Subservient additions (garage/workshop) withsimilar detailingSingle-storey HousesTry to avoid: Shallow pitched, over-sailing roof Over-scaled dormers Chimney on pitch of roof Randomly applied quoins Applied stonework and decoration Ornate portico Over-elaborate door Multi-paned windows flush with façade Inconsistent detailing around windowopeningsAim to achieve: Consistently pitched roof Minimal eaves and verge Chimneys flush with gables Well-proportioned arrangement of recessedopenings Simple porch and door detailingSmall Dormer Houses48.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Try to avoid:Aim to achieve: Consistently pitched roofs, with minimaleaves and verge, and chimneys flush togables Simply stepped elevation retaining balancedcomposition and breaking long run of wallplatedormers Well-proportioned arrangement of recessedopenings Vertical window emphasis with plastersurrounds and sills Simple porch and door detailing Subservient additions (sun room) with similardetailing Use of breakfront elevation, givingunbalanced arrangement of main elements Complex hipped roof patterns Use of UPVc boxed eaves and barges Elaborate projecting bay windows Artificial stonework and unnecessarydecoration Poorly divided windows with horizontalemphasis Sun room with hipped roof and ill-proportionedopeningsLarge Dormer HousesTry to avoid:Aim to achieve: Addition of protruding elements to mainelevation (e.g. octagonal turret and doublebay windows) Confused ridge lines and gables Use of UPVc boxed eaves and barges Poorly spaced and proportioned windows Over-emphasised door Unnecessary quoinage and lintel detailing Dominant garage with ’up and over’ door ofartificial material Uninterrupted ridge lines with consistentlypitched roofs Simple plan with extensions in proportion tothe main building Garage in secondary location and ofappropriate scale and materials Balanced door and window openings withsimple detailing Conservatory/Sun room of appropriate scaleand natural materialsLarge 2-storey HousesCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside49.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSEBuilding Form - Summary ChecklistAim to Achieve:Try to Avoid: Wide frontage and narrow depth plan forms,with additive elements where required/suitable. The external appearance of the building shouldbe arranged to reflect the internal planarrangement. The main elevation should generally be flatfronted,except for porches, with subtle breaksin the building line used to add interest and tocreate and define external spaces. Most two-storey houses should be doublefronted(with central front door). The range of building materials should belimited and, wherever possible, locally available. Real materials - stone, timber, slate - arepreferable to artificial ones. A change in material should reflect a change instructural function. Colours should also be limited, and muted inhues. Chimneys add interest to the roofscape, andshould be carefully located and detailed. Roofs should be consistently pitched, dark tiled(preferably slate) and with neat eaves detailing. The proportion of void to solid on any façadeneeds to be carefully considered. Cumbersome, boxy and near-square floorplans. Unusual and elaborate forms, complicated roofshapes exaggerated and random changes inridge line. Over-scaling of traditional form and altering roofpitch to suit. Imitation styles, such as haciendas, chalets, logcabins and pattern book designs. ‘Façade’ architecture and randomly appliedexternal finishes. Artificial materials (uPVC in particular) shouldbe avoided. Arbitrary changes of materials. Excessive use of natural stone. Bright garish colours, especially in structuralelements such as roofs and walls. Over-sailing roofs and boxed verges. Irregularly placed or over-large roof lights. Protruding bay windows and elaborate porches. Over-scaled or contrasting additions (garages,conservatories, sun rooms). Ill-proportioned openings, bay windows anddormers.50.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Building ElementsMaterials and ColoursThe traditional buildings of the County tend to be verysimple in form, with limited decoration, and built of alimited range of locally obtainable materials - slate roofs,rendered walls, painted timber windows and doors. Localstone was used for construction of walls, but oftenconcealed by whitewash or rough harl rendering.Exposed stone construction was reserved foroutbuildings associated with the main house. Goodquality ashlar stonework was rarely used in vernacularbuildings, except for architectural detailing such asquoins, lintels and chimney stacks, mainly in estatecottages and in proximity to quarries. Elsewhere cutstone was reserved for important civic buildings(churches, courthouses, schools, etc.) or for largecountry mansions.Applied 2-dimensional embellishments, such as artificialcladding, quoins and columns, should always be avoidedThe colour of a new building should aim to blend withsurrounding buildings and the local landscape. Bold,vivid colours should be avoided, especially on walls androofs. Generally the use of ‘earthy’ colours thatcomplement the natural hues of the countryside will bemost appropriate for large surfaces (walls). Whites, offwhitesand light greys were often the dominant colours oftraditional buildings, and can effectively off-set morebrightly painted elements such as doors. Windows andtheir surrounds should preferably also be muted incolour.58. 59.57.Simple materials and colours of traditional cottageThe range of contemporary building materials hasincreased greatly in recent years, providing newopportunities for the creative use of natural products.Artificial materials, including pvc doors, windows, eavesand weatherboarding, fibre-cement slates and concreteroof tiles should all be avoided.60.Wherever possible, natural materials that are moresustainable should be used. Timber, glass, slate, plaster,lime mortar, insulation such as sheeps wool, renderedand painted blockwork and the appropriate use of stonecan be successfully combined to create attractivecontemporary houses. Natural materials such as thesewill also allow good ventilation in the home, which hasconsequent health benefits. A random mix of materialssuch as brick, stone and concrete should be avoided.61. 62.63. 64.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside51.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSERoofs and ChimneysThe roofs of traditional rural houses in County Limericktend to be either hipped or gabled, with a consistent pitchof between 40 o - 50 o . Thatch was progressively replacedby slate as the preferred roofing material, or else withpainted corrugated sheeting.Roofs on new houses should aim to be simple,consistently pitched and with special attention paid toedge detailing, avoiding forms that may appear alien tothe rural setting. Roofs that oversail the external walls,invariably finished in white pvc, should be avoided. Flatdark tiles (with slate as the preferred material) should besized to suit the scale of the roof and laid in diminishingcourses from the eaves.Roof TypesBoxed verges and eaves to be avoidedRainwater goods should be as discrete as practical,rounded and of cast iron or plastic (painted black).Contemporary use of natural slate65.Traditional houses were lowwith steep roofs (45°) makingfor a compact building whichhugged the groundIn new building eaves shouldbe kept down and roof pitchesshould remain +/- 45°Large roof-lights can dominate,resulting in reflections of opensky and sunlight.New-build without regard forproportion results in badbalance of windows andunnecessary height.⅓⅔Locating well-proportioneddormers within lower ⅔ of theroof helps to ensure that theydo not dominate the house52.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Chimneys are an important characteristic of traditionalrural housing, either located on gable ends andbreaching the ridgeline of the roof to avoid long slenderstacks exposed to the weather, or arrangedsymmetrically towards the centre of the roof above aninternal hallway. In the interests of energy efficiency, it isconsidered good practice to locate new chimneyscentrally, rather than on a gable. Chimneys should bedesigned with care, ensuring that the proportions anddetails are appropriate to the size and style of house.Well-proportionedOver-scaledDormers and Roof lightsThe dormer bungalow house is now a prevalent buildingform throughout the County. Although many dormershave traditional roots, there are numerous modernexamples of over-scaled and bulky dormer additions thatcan detract from the rural character of an area.Well-proportionedSloping dormerWhere dormer windows are to be used, to gain additionalaccommodation in the roof space, they should preferablytake the form of traditional types. Again simplicity indetailing and construction is required, avoiding the use ofartificial cladding materials. Roof lights of verticalproportions can be a preferred alternative to dormers,but need to be considered as an integral part of the roofdesign. Randomly placed and different sized roof lightsshould be avoided.Large roof lightsBulky roof extensionRoof, chimney and dormer typesDormers and roof lightsSuccessful new roof and dormers66.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside53.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSEDoors, Porches and WindowsThe most important outside feature of a house is thefront door (in early dwellings it was sometimes the onlyone). The traditional door served not only as a means ofentry for people and animals, but often as the onlysource of light. Early doors were made of timber from aseries of solid planks, simply hung by metal straps intothe stone frame of the house.With the advent of the doorframe during the 16thcentury, heavy doors could be replaced by framed andpanelled doors which were much lighter and fitted moreneatly. Doors and their surrounds could then be moreelaborate, and by the late 19th century front doors beganto have their upper panels replaced with glass, alwaysobscured and often coloured. In new country houses, thefront door presents an opportunity for adding interest atthe focal point of the main elevation.New door construction should be simple, and preferablyof painted timber. While glazed panels in the door andfanlights above admit more light to the hallway, theyshould be considered carefully in relation to the overallstyle of the house.Traditional door and window openings67.69.68.70.Neo-Classical and traditionalContemporary door and window openings71. 72.DoorwaysOver-elaborate for rural areas54.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Porches are a fairly recent addition to traditional ruralhouses, usually introduced for providing shelter to themain door. Where porches are considered necessary ona new house, they should be designed as an integralpart of the elevation and not as an after-thought. Goodquality materials that match those of the house should beused, as opposed to imitation or artificial types. Onsimple houses it should not be necessary to introduce adifferent material for the porch. In all cases, the size andshape of the porch should be well-proportioned.Generally the total area of window and door openingsshould not exceed one-third of the overall wall area.Gable end and north facing walls will usually benefit froman even lower ratio of opening to wall.PorchesWindows should usually line-up over each other -although a carefully considered contemporary designcan result in a visually balanced elevation with lessregular pattern of openings. The size of opening shouldreflect the function of the room. Very small bathroom,cloakroom or landing windows can contribute to thecomposition of a façade by contrasting with moreexpansive openings to principal living areas.Good proportionToo wideToo many‘Golden Section’Good contemporaryGood traditionalWell dividedEnd gablesWindow positioningPoorly dividedRecessed slidingsash with paintedsurroundWindow typesElaborate bayIrregularly-sized and too many windows should be avoided73.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside55.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSEConservatories, Garages and Other ExtensionsThe addition of outbuildings or extensions can be one ofthe most controversial parts in the design of a house.The relationship of the addition to the overall compositionreflects on both the style of the house and how theowners wish to express themselves.The key objective is ensuring that the main house isclearly seen as the dominant element. The scale anddetail of additions, garages in particular, should matchthe balance of the house and be subservient to it.Extensions should generally be built with similarmaterials to the existing house, and located discreetly tothe side or rear. Flat roof extensions should always beavoided.Inappropriate building extensions and garagesExisting rural house74.Extending an existing houseWell proportioned building extensions56.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Conservatories or sun rooms can form attractiveadditions to the house if well-located, as well as a meansfor achieving solar gain. Artificial materials (e.g. UPVc)should be avoided. Generally painted timber is preferred,finished in muted tones such as grey-green. Whites andbright colours can be over-conspicuous, detracting fromthe appearance of the house.Considerations of scale, proportion and spatial layout ofthe house are all important to ensure that a conservatoryis an appropriate addition. They should not be added tofront elevations, or appear too suburban or elaborate instyle. Additions to gable ends or rear elevations areusually most appropriate.Flat roofFront elevationOver-elaborateInappropriate building extensionSimple, gable endSimple, to rearAppropriate building extensionsConservatories and Sun RoomsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside57.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSEBuilding ConversionsGeneralThe adaptation and reuse of existing buildings is animportant principle of sustainable development. Theconversion of traditional rural buildings intocontemporary living spaces can not only bring buildingsback to life but may also provide opportunities tosensitively conserve the built heritage and maintain thecharacter and distinctiveness of the area. There arenumerous deserted buildings throughout CountyLimerick, often located on good sized sites with roadaccess and within mature landscape settings.75.The sympathetic restoration of buildings which arestructurally sound, reasonably intact, safely accessibleand capable of being connected to water and otherservices should be viewed as an important alternative tobuilding new houses in the countryside. Former farmbuildings and their outbuildings can create very specialand attractive properties, but it is very important that theconversion should respect and retain the essentialcharacter of the original structure.Potential buildings for conversion76.77.58.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING THE HOUSE5.Design PrinciplesThe approach to conversion should be simple anduncluttered, with no attempt to over-domesticate orsuburbanise the building or its setting. The originalidiosyncrasies of the building should be conserved andenhanced.78.The original building height and eaves lines must be fullyrespected. A traditional two-storey building should not beconverted by raising the roof structure, which wouldcompletely change its character and appearance. Theinternal room layout should be arranged so that theoriginal structure, openings and features can be retained,or adapted with as few external changes as possible.Roofs are particularly important features of traditionalbuildings and should not be ‘over-restored’. The existingstructure should be retained wherever possible, and theexpanse of roof left uncluttered. The addition of anexternal chimney stack is almost always unsuitable.79.The addition of dormers are usually too domestic incharacter and should be avoided. Where required, flushfitting rooflights are more suitable for buildings with loweaves, provided that they are narrow and not too large ornumerous. Roofing materials should be slate, laid to theoriginal pattern (usually graduated with large slates atthe eaves diminishing in size towards the ridge).All existing materials should be salvaged and re-used.Only good quality natural materials should be added, andwherever possible of local origin.80.Where new stonework is required, the size, coursing,joint width and pointing should match the original asclosely as possible. New pointing or re-pointing shouldbe carried out using a lime-rich mortar with flush finishedjoints.81.Window and door openings should be retained unalteredwhenever possible. If new openings are necessary theyshould be vertically proportioned. Doors and windowsshould be recessed to create strong shadow lines and togive good weather protection. Most new window anddoor joinery will need to be purpose-made (original doorsand windows may be repaired or their pattern reused oradapted for new joinery).Sensitively converted buildingsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside59.

5.DESIGNING THE HOUSEExtensions to traditional buildings will not normally beacceptable where it would undermine the intrinsiccharacter of the building. Where extensions areconsidered suitable, they should be subservient to theoriginal structure, of similar proportions and of the samematerials and detailing. Extensions of high qualitycontemporary design can help to enhance an olderbuilding subject to advice from a suitably qualifiedarchitect.Garages and workshops should preferably be providedwithin existing buildings on the site, by sensitivelyconverting associated sheds and outbuildings. If suitablebuildings are not available, the introduction of any newgarage or workshop should be of materials that match orcomplement the main building to be converted.Any new structures should be carefully sited so as not todetract from the setting of the main building. Attractiveuseable spaces between buildings should be created,using traditional elements such as walls and hedges todefine them. The design of the external areas is of equalimportance to the conversion of the building.Protected StructuresWhen considering any building for potential conversion itis essential to view the Record of Protected Structuresapplicable to the area and to have early discussions withthe local planning authority. In most cases, the servicesof an architect specialising in historic buildings will berequired to develop and oversee the proposals.If an application involves altering a Protected Structureor a building in an Area of Architectural Conservation, adetailed measured survey of the existing plans andelevations will be required. In such circumstances,details such as the shape and material of guttering orglazing bars can be important features of historicproperties that need careful recording.82.Before and after views of an award-winning conversionThe interior structure and fittings of a ProtectedStructure, such as fire surrounds or ceiling plaster work,and the setting (e.g. garden, walls, gates), are alsoprotected by the listing. It will be necessary to obtainplanning permission and/or a Section 57 declaration tocarry out any work on a Protected Structure.60.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING WITH THE PLANNING SYSTEM6.6.Designing withthe PlanningSystemConsidering an ApplicationSubmitting an ApplicationPlanning Application DrawingsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside61.

6.DESIGNING WITH THE PLANNING SYSTEMConsidering an ApplicationThe local planning authority is committed to securinghigh quality design in the County and the need to engageeffectively with applicants. The Council has a duty tocommunicate to applicants the particular issues thatneed to be considered before making an application, andto explain to them what is required. Pre-planningmeetings are therefore encouraged.Likewise applicants will be expected to demonstrate fromthe outset that careful consideration has been given tothe location, siting and design of new housing in thecountryside. In most cases the assistance of skilledarchitects and designers should be sought for preparingthe application, especially for sensitive locations. Thiswill not only help achieve good quality design, but mayalso speed-up the planning process. Applicants, andtheir agents, should familiarise themselves with therelevant policies of the County Development Plan, aswell as the principles and advice contained in this DesignAdvice and other relevant Council documents.Submitting an ApplicationGuidance notes regarding the scale, level of detail anddrawings necessary for applying for Planning Permissionare obtainable from the County Council - a typicalexample of a comprehensive application for a one-offhouse in the countryside is shown on the followingpages.‘Your Guide to the Planning Process’ (LimerickCounty Council Planning Department) contains somegeneral information about applying for planningpermission, gives help to complete the application formand sets out clearly all of the information which shouldbe submitted with the application. If careful attention ispaid to the information in the guide, you will greatly assistthe Council in considering your application and will savetime in having a decision reached.However, there are some problems and omissions thatcommonly occur: Lack of sufficient level of information. Indicateexisting and proposed site levels, and finished floorlevels for all new houses. Many sites in the Countyare sloping and must be designed accordingly. Indicate in as much detail as possible proposedbuilding materials for all building elements - includingtheir colour and texture, and if possible theirmanufacturer/supplier. Remember to consider the scale and orientation ofany adjoining buildings. Contiguous elevations andcross sections may be especially important inassessing the interrelationship of new house types,and may be required as part of the application forcertain schemes; Consider the spaces between buildings, theirlandscaping, planting and materials at the earlieststage in the design. A qualified Landscape Architectwill have special expertise in these matters andshould be involved in scheme design whereverpossible, especially for sensitive or conspicuoussites. Submit a design statement with the planningapplication—see appendix 3.In most cases, preparation of the planning applicationwill require the services of an architect or agent at somepoint in the planning process. It is recommended that aqualified architect is employed where a house is large orin a sensitive location.An ‘agent’ can act on your behalf in terms of planningadvice, particularly for smaller developments such asone-off houses, as well as preparing the drawingsnecessary for the application to be considered by theplanning authority. Instead, it is possible to havesomeone prepare the plans/drawings for you to submitwith the application.In either instance, it is essential that whoever preparesthe application is familiar with this Design Advice as wellas other specific requirements of the Council such assiting, traffic safety, public health, design standards, etc.as contained in the current County Development Plan.62.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING WITH THE PLANNING SYSTEM6.Comprehensive Planning Application Drawings(Courtesy of Alan David Ryan)Detailed Site Layout PlanDetailed Floor and Roof PlansCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside63.

6.DESIGNING WITH THE PLANNING SYSTEMDetailed Elevations and SectionsDetailed Elevations and Sections64.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

DESIGNING WITH THE PLANNING SYSTEM6.Detailed SectionsContiguous ElevationCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside65.

6.DESIGNING WITH THE PLANNING SYSTEM66.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

Appendix1. Recommended Planting Types2. Building Regulations3. Design Statement

1.APPENDIXRecommended Planting TypesRural gardens should aim to be natural in appearanceand in harmony with the landscape character of the sitelocation. Suburban garden styles should be avoided. Inthe majority of cases, planting should be of nativespecies - these not only respect and reinforce thecharacter of the landscape but also support wildlife andhelp to meet bio-diversity targets.The main planting types to be considered when planninga new garden comprise:Woodlands/Shelter BeltsHedgerowsSpecimen TreesShrubsWoodland PlantingWoodland planting can be used to create naturalisticscreening of particular views or to help the new houseintegrate more effectively with the surroundings.Typically woodland (or Shelter Belt) planting shouldcontain a large percentage of small trees (feathered orwhips) interspersed with larger trees (clear stem) toprovide a more immediate effect - e.g. :80% feathered/whips (60-90cm height) planted at 1.2mcentres20% Standard Trees (6-8cm girth, 10-12cm girth, 14-16cm girth, and 16-18cm girth)Typical recommended species/mix :Common Ash Fraxinus exselsior 20%European Beech Fagus sylvatica 20%Alder Alnus glutinosa 15%English Oak Quercus robur 5%Durmast Oak Quercus petraea 5%Rowan Sorbus aucuparia 15%Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 10%Larch Larix decidua 5%Scot’s Pine Pinus sylvestris 5%Typically plants are available from the nursery in the following forms:Feathered Shrubs Multi-Stem Conifer StandardCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the CountrysideAPPENDIX

APPENDIX 1.HedgerowsShrubsNew hedgerows should consist of a combination ofnative tree species with under-storey planting of multstemmedshrubs. Shrubs should be planted in a doublestaggeredrow, around 0.9m apart (2-3 plants/sq.m.),with trees (species as per Woodland) randomlyinterspersed.Shrubs should comprise bare-root whips(min. 60-90cm height).Shrub species can be planted in bold groups to theedges of Woodland/Shelter Belts to provide addedinterest and a lower layer of vegetation. They should beplanted as bare-root whips (min. 60-90cm girth) or in 2-5litre containers, at around 2 plants/sq.m.Typical recommended species include:Typical recommended species/mix:Whitethorn Crataegus laevigata 10%Blackthorn Prunus spinosa 60%Holly Ilex aquifolium 5%Hazel Corylus avellana 10%Guelder Rose Vibernum Opulus 5%Spindle Euonymus europeaus 5%Dog Rose Rosa rugosa 5%WhitethornBlackthornHollyHazelGuelder RoseBuckthornSpindleDog RoseCrataegus laevigataPrunus spinosaIlex aquifoliumCorylus avellanaVibernum OpulusRhamnus frangulaEuonymus europeausRosa rugosaSpecimen TreesTrees planted singly or in small groups (3-5) should be ofa large size, Advanced Heavy Standard Trees (16 –18cm girth), to make an immediate impression .All trees and bare rooted shrubs should be planted fromearly November up to the end of March.Typical recommended species include:Common AshEuropean BeechEnglish OakDurmast OakRowanLarchFraxinus exselsiorFagus sylvaticaQuercus roburQuercus petraeaSorbus aucupariaLarix deciduaHazel Spindle Dog RoseCornusC. ‘Sibirica’IvyAlder European Beech AshBlackthornGuelder RoseHollyRowan Scots Pine Larch HawthornBlackthornBeech (hedge)Common Native TreesCommon Native ShrubsCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the CountrysideAPPENDIX

APPENDIX 2.Building RegulationsThe Building Control Act 1990 establishes a statutoryduty to design and construct in accordance with thebuilding regulations. Every building to which the BuildingRegulations apply should be designed and constructedin accordance with the provisions of such regulations,and the responsibility for compliance rests with thedesigners, the constructor and the building owners.The Building Regulations 1997—2011 set out thetechnical requirements for the design and construction ofbuilding works. The Regulations are divided into 12parts, and for private dwelling houses, the most commonareas to be addressed as follows:This information is a guideline only, and not a detailedreview of the Building Regulations. Applicants shouldseek professional advice for their own specific situationsand should consult the current technical guidancedocuments and current regulations.In accordance with the Building Control Regulations1997, a Commencement Notice must be submitted to theBuilding Control Section of Limerick County Council,County Hall, Dooradoyle, Limerick, 14-28 days beforethe commencement of works.All queries on Building Control issues and BuildingRegulations can be directed to the Building ControlSection of Limerick County Council at (061) 496 000.Part DescriptionRequirementsA Structure This requires buildings to be designed and constructed so as to ensure thatthey can withstand the combined loads without impairing the stability of anypart of the building.B Fire Safety Mains powered Fire Detection and alarm system, window sizes for escape orrescue. Adequate Fire Resistance.CSite preparation and Resistanceto MoistureSite preparation, drainage, dangerous substances (e.g. Radon), resistance toweather and ground moisture.D Materials and Workmanship Fitness of Materials and Adequacy of WorkmanshipE Sound Resistance of noise pollution from one dwelling to another.F Ventilation Ventilation of rooms of specific floor area and condensation in roofs.G Hygiene Installation of adequate washing and toilet facilities.HDrainage and Waste WaterDisposalInstallation of adequate wastewater drainage and septic tanks.J Heat Producing Appliances Appliances designed to burn solid fuel, oil or gas. Adequate design andinstallation of Air Supplies, Exhaust Gases, protection of the Building and OilStorage TanksKStairways, Ladders, Ramps andGuardsSafe and Adequate Design of stairs and protection from Falls.LConservation of Fuel and Energy Limiting heat loss, maximize heat gains and controlling output.MAccess for people withdisabilitiesApproach to, access into and circulation within a dwelling, access to electricalswitches etc. Also the provision of Sanitary accommodation.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the CountrysideAPPENDIX

APPENDIX 3.1.0 IntroductionDESIGN STATEMENT1.1 In accordance with Section 10.4 of the Limerick County Development Plan 2010-2016, the PlanningAuthority will require all planning applications for 5 or more dwellings or a single rural house orcommercial / industrial developments over 1,000 sq. metres to include a ‘Design Statement’.1.2 A ‘Design Statement’ is a short document which enables the applicant to explain why a particulardesign solution is considered the most suitable for a particular site.1.3 A Design Statement should be prepared at the early stage of the design process. The designstatement should address urban design, landscape and building design issues and clearly explain thedevelopment process, design options considered and the adopted development strategy. The DesignStatement should take the form of a concise illustration or series of illustrations, photographs of thesite and surroundings and a written statement, however, it is not intended to duplicate planningapplication documents. This material may form the basis of meaningful pre-application discussionswith the Planning Authority. Statements should evolve throughout the design process. Reference andcognisance to the 12 criteria outlined in the DEHLG ‘Urban Design Manual’ 2009 and the guidancecontained in ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ 2009 documents shall also bemade for relevant developments. The level of detail will depend on the scale and sensitivity of thedevelopment.1.4 A Design Statement should outline: The policy background, identifying all relevant policies, design guides, standards and regulationsand in the case of developments in areas with local area plans shall show compliance with therelevant urban design and architectural principles and guidance; The urban / rural design and architectural context including a site and area appraisal (illustratedwith diagrams / photographs), summaries of relevant studies and reports of any relevantconsultations; The development strategy for the site including design principles which have been formulated inresponse to the policy background, the site and its settings and the purpose of the development. In the case of urban developments an explanation of the urban structure, including approach tomovement and accessibility, landscape, development blocks, land uses, density, urban grain,visual context and built form; A programme of meetings with the local authority and other bodies; if appropriate.County Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the CountrysideAPPENDIX

APPENDIX 3a.Design Statement for single rural dwellingAll planning applications should be accompanied by a detailed Design Statement outlining the rationale of theproposed design. The design statement for a single rural dwelling should address the following:3.1 Site Selection:Site location characteristics, including the wider landscape character and the more immediate landscape and otherdesignations such as Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.Use of sites existing natural qualities / featuresExisting development patternRoads and InfrastructureSite orientation.3.2 Layout:Site contextDesign principles consideredScale, building line and set-backBuilding form and proportionTopographyBuilding orientationVehicle parking & accessBoundaries / landscaping.3.3 House Design:Building formUniversal Access (access for mobility impaired)Building elements- Materials and colours- Roofs and chimneys- Dormers and roof lights- Doors, porches and windows- Conservatories, garages and other extensions.Details of how the proposal will optimize natural light in building design, location and orientationWhere a sun room/ conservatory is incorporated, is it designed so that it respects the proportions and materials ofthe house and is appropriately orientated and energy efficient?Indicate any re-use / renovation of existing buildingsDetails of other sustainable design approaches/renewable energy technologiesCounty Limerick: Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the CountrysideAPPENDIX