Set between a traditional shoreline cottage and the Atlantic edge of Galway Bay, ALWA’s low-slung pavilion extension balances exposure and shelter through a restrained architecture that carefully recalibrates the relationship between house, landscape and sea.

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Simon Menges & Nino Tugushi Studio Berlin

Overlooking Galway Bay towards the Burren and County Clare, ALWA have extended and refurbished a traditional shoreline cottage through the addition of a low, pavilion-like structure positioned between the existing house and the sea, combining deep retrofit with a restrained intervention.

The brief called for additional living space while preserving the character of the original cottage and maximising views across the bay. In response, the architects removed a series of impractical additions and introduced a horizontal extension that sits low in the site’s topography to act as a secondary structure to the existing house which remains prominent.

A timber-lined link connects the old with the new, mediating slight differences in scale and character by framing views out towards the sea. The pavilion’s narrow plan, deep projecting eaves and elevated concrete plinth create a lightness as though the structure hovers above ground, projecting out from the cottage. This move also encourages natural ventilation, solar control and protection from severe coastal weather conditions.

A pallet of charred timber cladding and oak with exposed concrete and steel thread together a robustness with a lightweight feel that comes secondary to the surrounding landscape. The hovering slab creates sheltered outdoor space beneath the canopy, creating an indoor-outdoor veranda. In balancing openness and shelter, ALWA establishes a clear distinction between old and new without pushing either to dominate. 

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