The Black House
![]() |
Marty and Chris bought a 1970s bungalow on the edge of Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, solely for the stunning location and spectacular panoramic views. The pebble dashed bungalow, which had been poorly added to over the years, did not represent their way of living as top Northern Ireland food bloggers. They wanted a house where they could entertain and provide a space large enough for their legendary invite only ‘dish you were here’ supper evenings, while also creating a bright family home.
2020 Architects were tasked to take this small roomed, poorly insulated, dark existing house and, on an incredibly tight budget, create a dramatic modern home. The build brought a little theatre to this stretch of the coast while providing bright, open-plan living spaces. It was quickly concluded that the shell of the original house was reasonable to adapt in terms of costs and the existing form – which sits comfortably on the site; however, the extensions and alterations to the original shape were helping to create the insipid and uninspiring 1970s house.
![]() |
The bungalow before the works started. |
2020 Architects stripped the house back to its core; the layout was simplified to provide a generous living space with maximised views by adding a wall of glass. The existing window openings where replaced with minimalist fenestration or frameless glass where possible.
The original roof structure within the living/kitchen/dining space was retained and the ceiling vaulted to use light in this area without incurring severe cost implications. The obligatory walk-in larder and utility space was added at the rear as a discrete flat-roof extension.
![]() |
The Black House after completion. |
The bathroom layout was re-designed to exploit the dramatic views, with high quality tiles and sanitaryware incorporated to transform the space. The master bedroom was wholly changed to include a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite and sauna. Frameless glass was used in place of a standard window unit to obtain full advantage of the sea view.
The house was well insulated and wrapped in black corrugated metal to complement its surroundings; rainwater goods were reduced and hidden to set off the dramatic form. Initially a polished brass door was specified for the main entrance. However, to maintain budget, the clients opted for a yellow PVC door.
Marty and Chris are now turning their attention to the garden and grounds. They intend on creating a garden room complete with a fire, patio and landscaping to include flame red flowers set along the black backdrop.
[edit] About this article
This article was written by Robert Barrie MCIAT. It previously appeared in CIAT’s AT Journal, Issue 129, Spring 2019. It can be accessed HERE.
More articles by CIAT on Designing Buildings Wiki can be found HERE.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
- Basements in buildings.
- Hiring an architect as a domestic client.
- How to build a garage.
- How to build a porch.
- How to find a builder.
- Kit house.
- Licence to alter.
- Line of junction notice.
- Listed buildings.
- Party Wall Act.
- Planning permission.
- Refurbishment.
- Renovation.
- Self-build homes.
- Self-build home: project plan.
- Types of room.
--CIAT
Featured articles and news
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.