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Split level family home
This Co Armagh split level family home is a modern take on the traditional farmhouse, and has everything Suzie and Paul Johnston wanted in a house. In this article we cover: This modern take on a traditional farmhouse is, for Suzie and Paul Johnston, everything they wanted in a house, but it was Suzie’s involvement […] More
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All in the family
Being close to your family is one thing, it’s quite another to let them build your house! David and Mary McDonagh of Co. Mayo did just that, and they haven’t looked back since… [powerkit_collapsibles] [powerkit_collapsible title=”BUILD SPEC” opened=”true”] Construction type: blockwork Insulation: PIR board in floors, walls and green roof, fibreglass in the other two […] More
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Contemporary new build in Co Kerry
Seamus and Claire Clifford’s direct labour new build in Co Kerry was managed with the help of family and friends. In this article we cover: Going down the direct labour route with a self-build is both hugely rewarding and incredibly time consuming. Despite working 300km away from his home-to-be, Sheamus Clifford still managed to do […] More
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Unfinished Symphony
Back in 2004, gaining planning permission to build a new home in a rural setting in NI was quite different to today. Then, the only real chance of success was to find a building that could loosely be described as ‘habitable’ in that it had a serviceable roof. [powerkit_collapsibles] [powerkit_collapsible title=”COST&SIZES” opened=”true”] Site cost: £60,000 […] More
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Budget friendly self-build in Co Westmeath
Paul and Lindy Browne went the extra mile to source everything they wanted for their budget friendly self-build in Co Westmeath. In this article we cover: Overview Site: 1 acreProject cost including all site works and interiors: €370,000Size: 3,100 sqft excluding detached garage. One often repeated, piece of advice all aspiring self-builders and home improvers […] More
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Eco build on a shoestring
Xavier Dubuisson dispels the myth that an eco build is an expensive endeavour out of the reach of the average self-builder. He reviews a number of notable Irish projects where committed homeowners have realised their hopes of building sustainably on a very tight budget, and explores the issues they faced. This article covers: Reasons for […] More
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in Advice, Choosing external finishes, Design, Roofing & External finishes: Watchpoints, UncategorizedExternal wall coverings
The external skin of a building must have four essential characteristics: durability, resistance to moisture penetration, uniform weathering and an attractive appearance. It may also be required to provide weight bearing or strength, and is nowadays increasingly expected to contribute to energy efficiency. CHARACTERISTICS Durability depends upon exposure to the weather, (e.g. rain, wind or […] More
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Relocating to Co Antrim
When Belfast man Hugh McNally and his wife Elaine became custodians of a plot of land with a difference, the decision to relocate to County Antrim countryside and build their dream home made itself. In this article we cover: Overview House size: 430sqmSite size: 1.25 acres; beyond is a 6 acre fieldCost: £470,000 “We’ve had an historical connection […] More
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in Block, Cost savers, Cost Under 200, Design, Extensions & Renovations, Leinster, New Build, Projects, Self-build Projects, Two StoreyThe art of building
For sculptor Niall Deacon and his wife Anne of Co Wexford, locally sourcing the materials for their build was second nature. The result: a family home that cost them €65,000 – excluding the cost of their own labour, of course. “I have planted an acre of trees to mark the birth of each of our […] More
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