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4 of a kind
4 of a kind: Eye-catching Irish homes designed to stand out from the crowd
From a striking Home Of The Year contender to a modern city upgrade.
FINDING A HOME with unique elements and unusual character might take some extra effort than hunting for a standard three-bed semi-d – but if “stand-out design” is on your list of must-haves then it’s worth the hunt.
This week, we’ve tracked down four one-off homes, all with striking contemporary design inside and out. These homes take full advantage of the available space and many were inspired by the landscape around them.
Whether you’re on the hunt for an open-plan, double-height home in Kildare or stone and timber build in Sligo, these architect-designed homes should pique your interest.
Sallins, Co Kildare
This five-bedroom, five-bathroom detached house featured on RTE’s Home of the Year in 2015, so it’s caught the attention of those who know well-designed contemporary homes. The building itself consists of three interlinked blocks over two floor levels, which allows for double-height ceilings in the living and kitchen areas. Natural light flows through the home thanks to light chimneys, glass ceilings, and windows that double as doors that open onto the half acre gardens.
Architectural elements like poured terrazzo flooring and a mirrored backsplash in the kitchen give the home its own unique style. In the back of the property, decking runs the length, so you have ample opportunity to enjoy the mature trees and aviary blocks.
Sligo, Co Sligo
This six-bedroom, four-bedroom detached house, called Forest Grove, has been designed by an architect as a passive home, which means it uses requires very little energy for space heating or cooling. In addition to practically non-existent utility bills, you’ll find the home has been designed to take advantage its site, with large windows and a timber-stone combination that blends into the acre of property.
Inside, the home has underfloor heating on the whole first floor, which you’ll enjoy as you relax and take in the views through large windows or sit by the wood stove. While the space is open-plan, it can be divided using a sliding door from the kitchen area if you so desire.
You could move in for €575,000.
Rathmines, South Dublin City
It’s always enjoyable to see what can be done on a very small plot of land in the hands of an architect. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached house in Rathmines is the perfect example. It’s a city-standard lot, but they’ve managed to pack quite a lot of space-maximising features in.
The kitchen/living/dining space comprises the whole main level, while the bedrooms are all situated on the first floor. The home has an attic space, giving extra room for a family to enjoy. And of course, the location of this property means you’ll be able to enjoy village life within a stone’s throw of Dublin city.
You could purchase this home for €895,000.
Tullamore, Co Offaly
A five-bedroom, four-bathroom option in Offaly was designed by an architect to include quite a few quirky details and designs. From the glass-block backsplash in the kitchen, to the hewn beams in the bedroom ceilings, it certainly doesn’t lack in character.
The stairs are designed to take up little space, both physically and visually, and the pitched roof actually allows light into the centre of the home. The steep roof also allows for cosy loft space, perfect for reading in peace.
Purchase this home for €330,000.
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