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RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin 21-23 April
Ultan O’Lorcain
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION – A VISION OF SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
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IT’S NOT OFTEN YOU’LL FIND A HOUSE THAT COMBINES A HIGH LEVEL OF COMFORT AND LUXURY WITH VERY LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION, BUT THIS YEAR’S MUCH ANTICIPATED INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS PASSIVE SHOWHOUSE TICKS ALL THE BOXES – SNEAK A PEEK INSIDE!
SPACE Clients entering the Showhouse will have the opportunity to experience Innovative Home Solutions’ philosophy of ‘total design’. They have sourced unique interiors products of the highest quality from around the world, including contemporary furniture, lighting, art and accessories. To the right of the entrance area of the state-of-the-art timber frame house, is the ‘media room’. With furniture from Innovative Home Solutions, including an oversized Chesterfield-style brown leather sofa; a mid-century-inspired chaise in waxed brown leather and chrome base; a bespoke walnut and orange lacquer TV cabinet and a mix of geometric, black and white, magenta
and orange cushions, the room screams vintage with a bold, modern twist. “Our aim was to create a unique place where anyone can escape to, relax in and suit their mood,” says Ultan. “The three, small tripleglaze windows we’ve used in the media room play a big part in this – in the evening time, the small windows will make it the darkest room in the house, which can set the mood if you’re watching a film. During the day, the windows can subtend just enough natural light.” For Ultan and his team, the concept of space is hugely important in the design and build of a house, which is why much of the focus is on the indoor-outdoor relationship – opening spaces up to the exterior via windows to maximise natural light. Another factor which contributes to the openness of the space is connected rooms. “The kitchen, dining and living room are all one, creating a seamless transition from one area to another. The kitchen itself is a breath of fresh air. Painted in a hi-gloss white and supplied by Innovative Home Solutions, there’s a high 14ft cathedral-style ceiling and high-glaze windows, through which the sun can heat the house during the day for maximum passive solar gain. “We use Gyproc’s new revolutionary plasterboard called Habito plasterboard on all our projects. It’s great when installing kitchen cabinets as it’s strong enough to hold incredible weight on a single standard screw, with no stud finding, pre drilling or special fasteners required here.” The kitchen seeps in luxury, with geometric pendant lights in black and copper, a bespoke worktop, vintage bar stools with a brass base and black velvet cushions, all by Innovative Home Solutions. Stylish, Bosch smart appliances further this contemporary appeal. “What I like about having the kitchen, dining
hen you first step foot inside the Showhouse, you’ll instantly be struck by the light-filled, spacious surroundings and soaring ceilings. With a strong, modern, mid-century feel running throughout the interior of the house, you’ll soon realise why the ‘passive home’ is the home of the future. “When you’re building, you’re building for the future, not for today,” says Ultan O’Lorcain, founder of Innovative Home Solutions (www.InnovativeHomeSolutions. ie). “What our Design+Build team wanted to achieve with this Showhouse – like with all houses we build to a passive standard – is a modern, highly efficient, precision-crafted, greener home. We’ve used super-insulated walls, AluClad triple-glazed windows and patio doors from Novus Windows, as well as mechanical heat recovery ventilation by Zehnder throughout, which all contribute to a building with extremely small energy demand, thus saving money in the long-term. “We see the project through from concept to completion. At Innovative Home Solutions, we’re all on the same team. For clients, that translates into integration, continuity, cost savings, expedited delivery, accountability, and a commitment to collaboration.”
and living room being one main area is that nobody is separated – if someone’s cooking dinner, they won’t be far from those in the living room. Deep blues, greys and off-white set the tone for the living room, with bold pieces of original artwork added to create a dramatic look and break the easiness of the neutral tones. We’ve used an off-white leather sofa; bespoke armchairs in navy velvet; a scalloped mid-century-inspired coffee table in gold with a white marble top; reverse mirror side tables with a gold-leaf base; and bespoke walnut sideboard with burl walnut drawers from our own Interiors Collection to create this look. “The living room area looks very cosy and rich and we wanted the fireplace to be an element that won’t fail to steal the show. We designed the fireplace feature wall and added a Dimplex electric fire to add convenience and style. “In the dining space, our own bespoke solid walnut dining table and handmade brass chandelier are the top features, but the mixed and matched linen and leather dining chairs – in wenge and ivory – are equally as eye-catching. “All lighting within the Showhouse are energy-efficient LED lights by Meteor Electrical.” CONNECTIONS When the working day is done, there’s no denying that many of us look forward to departing to a cosy bedroom, often not before we sink into a bubble bath. The master bathroom and bedroom have been designed as truly relaxing retreats. Versatile have added an elegant touch to the bathroom by including their contemporary vanity, tub and taps, as well as oversized tiles laid in a metro/subway pattern. There’ll also be little fear of slipping as you make your way from the shower or tub, with rustic, Pergo laminate (waterproof)
flooring by Innovative Home Solutions. In the master bedroom, an upholstered headboard and bedframe in sand linen fabric accompanies smoky-grey mirrored night stands, compact armchairs in ivory linen fabric and a built-in walk-in wardrobe with hi-gloss grey doors by Innovative Home Solutions. “The bedroom will provide access to the small garden area, which has a patio, artificial grass by the Artificial Grass Store, a putting green by Contour Greens and outdoor Aurora LED Lights. It’s important to get that outdoor-indoor feel in the bedroom too. “When designing the Showhouse, we’ve also taken into consideration ways we can stay connected to our homes when away. Safecare Technologies have supplied innovative, assistive home automation technology for elderly or disabled people who want to live independently, while Future Homes have supplied home control, wired and wireless networks and security and energy management systems.” And when it comes to management, the more your home can manage by itself, the less it will need to rely on you. “A passive house makes efficient use of the sun through solar gain, internal heat sources – such as your oven or even your own body temperature – and heat recovery ventilation to such a standard that conventional heating systems are virtually rendered unnecessary, thus reducing heating costs. It’s a healthier house that controls dust and pollen and is more environmentally friendly.” “If you don’t stop by and see this unique standard and finish at the permanent Ideal Home Show, then it’s a missed opportunity. You’ll be able to get a full feel and understanding of the exact materials that go into the house and, ultimately, how it can enrich the experience of those who live in it.”