Four Winds is a home conceived as a sanctuary, blending resilience with warmth, designed to embrace its environment while offering protection from the elements.

The project involves the re-working of a 1940’s bungalow in Sutton, which enjoys beautiful views south across Dublin Bay. This home is being designed for the 3rd and 4th generations of the same family to live in the house, creating a lasting connection with the past while embracing the future.

This house is deeply rooted in the history of a landscape that has witnessed human settlement for over six thousand years. The site’s proximity to a 6th-century promontory fort, 18th- and 19th-century seawalls, and a nearby Napoleonic-era Martello Tower reflects the enduring relationship between human habitation and the forces of nature.

The house itself carries this legacy forward—a modern stronghold providing comfort amidst the ever-changing coastal climate.

The design of Four Winds was shaped by the idea of home as a constant through time and change. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the house was still in its conceptual stage. The resulting pause allowed for deep reflection, reinforcing the project’s commitment to resilience, longevity, and emotional connection.

Exposed concrete was selected as the primary structural element to convey strength and permanence, balanced by carefully chosen timber features. Accoya wood was used for the external joinery due to its exceptional durability against the bay’s relentless weather.

Over time, Accoya wood has weathered and evolved, reinforcing the dialogue between structure and nature. Yet, it remains resilient, proving to be the best choice for withstanding harsh weather conditions.

The house’s layout follows a cruciform plan, anchored by four concrete pillars and two spanning beams.

These beams define the dual-aspect living space, framing views of the bay to the front and a serene courtyard to the rear. One beam extends beyond the house into the garden, folding back on itself to form the private bedroom wing.

This careful organisation balances openness with enclosure, offering panoramic seascapes while ensuring protected, intimate spaces for rest and reflection.

More than just a building, Four Winds carries the memories and experiences of those involved in its creation. The project unfolded through a time of global uncertainty and personal loss, making its completion even more poignant.

The craftsmanship of those who worked on the home – some of whom sadly did not see its final form – is preserved in its very structure, a testament to the value of their work and the fleeting nature of life.

With its blend of steadfast concrete and time-worn timber, Four Winds stands as a reassuring presence on the edge of Dublin Bay, a place of shelter and solace against the shifting tides of history and weather alike.

Architects: Brennan Furlong

Area: 200 m²

Year: 2024

Photography: Fionn McCann Photography

Accoya Joinery supplied by Fitzpatrick and Henry