Rural Design Advice for Individual Houses in the Countryside

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