IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION
The Self-Build Diaries: Jonathan and Caitriona Hughes
Jonathan and Caitriona Hughes’ self-built three-bedroom, fourbathroom home is the epitome of coastal living. Perched on a picturesque coastline in a little fishing village in Dublin, which just happens to be Caitriona’s hometown, ‘Pebble Beach’ is the result of the Hughes’ three-year-long build journey. Here, i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca, catches up with Caitriona to learn more about her family’s self-build success.
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I absolutely would do it all again – in the morning....well, maybe not! I’m enjoying the break now after living and breathing this for the last three years. But it was a delightful experience for me and I 100% put that down to our team. I-B U I L D/ N OV/20
RK: What inspired you to embark on your own project rather than buying? CH: We decided to build our dream home after
discussing it for years – it was always really just in our life plan. We wanted to be able to create something where we had full control and input. Luckily, our timing just worked out when it did.
RK: What was the vision and inspiration behind your new home? CH: We wanted a contemporary home,
filled with light, with sea views and, ultimately, something just a little bit different.
RK: Did your project need to cater for any special requirements? CH: The design had to be a fully functioning,
practical home for a family of six – all while taking full advantage of the surrounding sea views, yet maintaining privacy from nearby dwellings.
RK: How and why did you choose this plot? CH: An opportunity came up for a fantastic
sea-fronted site in the beautiful fishing village that I grew up in. It’s close to my parents, and we jumped at the opportunity.
RK: How long did it take to gain planning permission? CH: We received planning permission
the first time around. We put this down to our architect’s detailed application and her thorough knowledge of our local council’s requirements.
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RK: Were there any challenging aspects to the project and build? CH: No. We were fortunate in the respect that
the plot was a greenfield site with easy access and no challenges to navigate.
RK: Did you project manage the build yourself? CH: We had a local construction
management company take over our project. However, I was heavily involved in all aspects and was on site every day overseeing everything. I was lucky to be available to make all decisions and be involved in all discussions. I am a stay-at-home mother; therefore, I was able, and happy, to facilitate this. However, my husband works long hours and would only get to site on the weekends.
RK: Tell us about the architect you worked with. CH: We interviewed four architects. Each had
a different approach to the house's design, but ultimately we went with the architect who we felt was the best fit. We credit her detailed knowledge surrounding the local planners' expectations – from design to receiving our planning permission the first time around.
RK: How did you approach material and product specification? CH: We took all the advice from our architect.
She outlined everything required, and they went into the bill of quantities.
