Renovate Your Home October 2020 by renovateyourhome

Renovate Home your

October 2020 | Issue No:1

From 1905

2019

Mark Davies discusses his fabulous home

I netr v i e w s Wi th : • • • •

Dermot B a n n on Sen ato r D a vi d Norri s Baz Ashm a w y L iz Bal birn i e

Front Cover Ima ge: Supplied by A rc Des ign

Price: €4.95 ISSN 2712-035X

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Letterfrom

Editor

the

ello and welcome to the latest edition of Renovate your Home. Throughout this edition, you are sure to find something for everyone as there is a vast array of content that is sure to tickle everyone’s fancy! From properties all over Ireland to two rather interesting interviews with Senator David Norris and the wonderful Baz Ashmawy, it’s a busy edition. On the cover, we feature the fabulous home of Mark Davies in Delgany, County Wicklow and I think you will agree with me when I say it is a fabulous home and renovation project and we all wish Mark and his family the very best for the future in their lovely family home and thank you for allowing us to run it as our cover property!

had been living in old house when they decided to make a change. When the offer of a site on a hill side that took in views of Dublin bay came up Liz, an interior designer was excited by the prospect of designing her dream home. She created an upside-down house to take in the stunning views. Liz’s contemporary style is expressed through the use of furniture, statues and a monochromatic colour scheme. The combination of the glass and open tread staircase ensures a good flow through the upper and lower spaces. The house is cost effective to run and is a great example of contemporary design both inside and out. If you think this edition is good, you can rest assured that the next edition is going to be just as good, if not better! Keep an out in all good retailers for our magazine, it is money well spent as well as it being a nice read

We also feature the stunning home of Lee Austin and his partner Mark Johnson. Interior designer Lee Austin and Mark Johnston had been looking for a spacious house in Belfast that Lee could put his own stamp on. As an Interior Designer Lee works on any properties but his home was by far one of the biggest challenges he ever worked on. They did a full refurbishment and the only things that remain in parts of the house are the doors, staircase and the fireplaces. They reconfigured the layout to suit how they wanted to live in the house. They took the original molding from the living room and replicated it so they could have the feature throughout the house. They also added bespoke paneling to add more character to the walls. Next up, we feature the home Liz Balbirnie and her husband Ian Switzer live in a contemporary upside-down house in Dublin. Liz and her husband Ian

Editor: Emer Kelly Sales: Dave O Callaghan Sales Director: Jason O Neill Design: Andre Clarke

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From

1905 to

2019

Mark Davies discusses his fabulous home Words: Emer Kelly

rc Design is an award winning, chartered architectural technologist and design practice that was founded by Brian Davies and his son Mark Davies in 2007. The practice maintains a medium sized, passionate design team that operates from its offices in the beautiful surroundings of Willow Grove, Delgany, County Wicklow. The practice has a reputation for producing highly detailed functional buildings in a variety of design styles with emphases on maximising light, space and use of materials.

Images: Mark Davies

Here, Mark Davies discusses the renovation and a two storey extension project he embarked on for his family home. The house dates back 1905. Mark and his wife bought the property in 2017 with work commencing in April 2019. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We bought the house in 2017 and we got the keys in April 2017, our son was born in the July and we lived in my apartment in Bray and sat on the house as it was quite overgrown. The house was derelict and it was sitting there for about 10 years. The first thing I did was clear the site and then I just planted a hedge along the boundary and the building works started in April 2019 and we moved in in De-

design our house, though I found it very challenging designing for myself because whilst I can easily design for other people but I felt there was an awful lot of pressure on me when it came to designing our house so I was doing multiple variations on drawings because I was really overthinking things,’’ added Mr Davies. “We love the house. When we moved in, we had a temporary kitchen and we didn’t have wardrobes and now we have our completed kitchen and wardrobes are installed, the house is really coming together now. We also moved the driveway to the other side of the house and installed mature hedging so the last few jigsaw pieces are coming together. “So much work and thought goes in to your own house and we knew that this was our forever home so we wanted to do everything first time round. Every day, people will stop and praise the house which is lovely. I’ve brought the house back to life with a modern twist. Everyone that was involved with the house was brilliant and they all did great work,’’ imparted Mark.

“

It was great to design the house.

cember 2019,’’ said Mark Davies. “The house was built in 1905 and we completely gutted the house apart from three walls. We added an extension of 125 square metres to the house. The walls of the house were solid concrete large boulders and stone from Greystones beach and well built. The renovation went really well but the only problem was that the house was built on sand so we had to dig quite deep in to the ground before we hit firm ground for the extension at the back of the house. “This was one of the first original houses that was built in approx. 1905 in Greystones. It was great to

“

There isn’t a thing we regret.

“

I’ve brought the house back to life with a modern twist.

The house was also selected for the SEAI deep retrofit pilot scheme which is now closed. The pilot investigated the challenges and opportunities of deep retrofitting in Ireland. The Deep Retrofit of a home means carrying out multiple energy upgrades all at once to achieve a BER of A-rating. Firstly, you will need to reduce the level of heat loss so that you keep heat in the home for longer. This involves some or all of the following: wall insulation, roof insulation, floor insulation, window upgrades. The next step is to look at an efficient renewable heating system to support the transition away from fossil fuels. The typical heating system installed on a Deep Retrofit Pilot

Project is an air-source heat pump. It also includes mechanical ventilation to maintain good indoor air quality. Other renewable energy technologies such as solar water heating panels and solar photovoltaic panels may be appropriate for your home. In terms of the layout of the house; on the ground floor of the original house is a living room, downstairs toilet, a playroom and a cloakroom with the extension at the back of the house encompassing the kitchen/ dining room and a utility room. Upstairs in the original part of the house there are three bedrooms and in the extension there is a family bathroom and a large master bedroom with an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe.

We’re really happy with the house, there isn’t a thing we regret about it. We had excellent builders and they made a huge difference. I waited nine months for them because they are very good at what they do, concluded Mark Davies.

CONTACT LIST ARCHITECT

INTERIOR DESIGN

BUILDERS

ENGINEER

P: 01-2010377 W: www.arcdesign.ie E: info@arcdesign.ie

P: 01-9023388 W: www.cohndesign.com E: hi@cohndesign.com

Anthony: 086-8896213 Jack: 086-1712226 E: aandjmartin@gmail.com

P: 087-2902702 W: www.gnce.ie E: terry@gnce.ie

Mark Davies, Arc Design, Willow Grove, Delgany, County Wicklow A63 XY89

Garry Cohn, Cohn Design, 50 Mount Street Upper, County Dublin.

Anthony & Jack Martin, A& J Building Contractors LTD, Blossom Hill, O’Neill Park, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow

Terence Sweeney C.Eng MIEI Glenn Nunan Consulting Engineers, 16 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

ENERGY CONSULTANTS

ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBING

P: 087-0542605 W: www.donovanlowenergy.ie E: david@donovanlowenergy.ie

P: 087-9791332 W: www.kenmac.ie E: paul@kenmac.ie

P: 085-7343413 E: tomaszlawniczak2@gmail.com

David Donovan, Donovan Low Energy, Workspace, 3 Wentworth Place, Wicklow Town, County Wicklow A67 KX38

Paul Kennedy, Kenmac Electrical Services, Earlscroft, Kilruddery Demesne East, Bray, County Wicklow

A&J MARTIN General Building Contractors Ltd.

Blossom Hill, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.

Plumbing Solutions, 10 Hillcrest Avenue, Delgany Wood, Delgany, County Wicklow

086 171 2226 086 889 6213 aandjmartin@gmail.com

• New Builds • Extensions • Renovations • Attic Conversions • Sunrooms

DERMOT BANNON

“I PIcK my BATTLES.”

DERMOT BANNON

Renovating

my OwN hOME is a lot of

Pressure

Dermot Bannon talks to us

Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Volvo Cars / RTÈ

ermot Bannon is one of the best known Architects in Ireland and is best known to the Irish nation for his show ‘Room to Improve,’ which is one of the most talked about programmes on the nations lips after it airs on Sunday nights over a six week period.

“I’ve fairly simple taste and I want this house to be minimal but there are certain things that I would like to put in this house such as a brass splashback,’’ added Mr Bannon. “I’m at the stage where I wish the house was done now and we could just move into it,’’ revealed Dermot.

Mr Bannon has also recently been to Sweden, Melbourne and Sydney for his show ‘Dermot Bannon’s Incredible Homes,’ which garnered a lot of attention when it aired in February.

During the build, Mr Bannon made sure to account for two charging points in his driveway as he is switching over to a Volvo hybrid this summer. “I’m eliminating fossil fuels from the house and we’re taking a G rated house right up to an A rating; there is going to be no gas or oil in the house, there will be a heat pump and it is going to be super highly insulated because I’m determined to have a house where you can walk around in your tee shirt in December as well as having a house that costs very little to run,’’ he explained.

As well as running a very busy architectural practice, being a husband and Dad to three young children, he is currently busy working on his new home in Drumcondra but despite all this Dermot very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to talk to this publication. “Renovating my own home is a lot more pressure than I thought it was going to be, I was actually looking forward to the whole process and when we bought the house and we were applying for Planning Permission I got really excited about doing it and I was pinching myself at the thoughts of getting to do this to our own house,’’ said Dermot Bannon. “Now that I’m in the middle of it, it’s incredibly stressful because you know every little detail there is to the project. Sometimes you might let things go on a regular job because it doesn’t really matter and you can’t see it but when it comes to your own home, you can’t un-see these things and I don’t want to be looking at this little detail for the rest of my life so that’s why I’m trying to iron out a lot of these things. “Most of the stress is caused by making sure that you have thought of every little thing. It’s absolutely melting my head at the moment! You want to put in the best of what you can afford when it comes to the house. I don’t think I will be doing anything differently to my own house than I would when it comes to the houses on ‘Room to Improve,’ the finishes won’t be very expensive; I would like some nice finishes,’’ he enthused.

“I’ve been driving a Volvo for a few years now and they asked me recently would I like to test drive one of the plug in hybrids and even though I was a bit dubious (because I didn’t think I would get the range out of it) of taking it for a while, the car really surprised me in a lot of ways! “The car changed the way I drove; there is a button with ‘b,’ written on it so basically every time we brake or the car slows down we waste that energy normally when we’re driving but with this car, that energy goes back to the engine and then you can plug the car in. “Generally, for day to day use you get a 40KM range out of it and you have a petrol engine as well. In a day you probably wouldn’t do more than 40KM between school runs and so forth so essentially you can charge the car at night,’’ enthused Mr Bannon. “I put two charging points into our front garden, whether

“I wish the HOUSE was DONE.”

DERMOT BANNON

or not we will have two electric cars I don’t know but the aim would be to have two electric cars in the next four to five years because they won’t be making fossil fuel cars after 2030. If you are future proofing your house and you are trying to make it as close to carbon neutral as possible then you should be thinking about your car especially if you are living in the city,’’ added Dermot. “I know that I will have to do a country run in the car and for that I will have to use petrol but to make my life easier, I put the charging points in. It also makes total sense to put the charging points at your house as there is a grant available for it as well. “I loved driving around in this car, more so because it really changed my driving patterns and I really started to think about how you’re using your fuel. I drive slower now and I try not to use the brake as much. When you see how much energy you waste in speeding up too quickly and braking too quickly instead of trying to keep the car at a slow, regular pace it makes you a more responsible driver. The Volvo hybrid is a lovely car to drive,’’ he stated. In terms of the reaction to ‘Dermot Bannon’s Incredible Homes,’? “We picked the houses because they were amazing properties in amazing locations. It was a wonderful trip and I still pinch myself every time I think about it. I think the houses in Melbourne were better; the Sydney trip was great and everyone has an affiliation with Sydney but the houses in Melbourne were cooler. It was my first time in Australia. We got to see amazing houses and because I was doing the television show it got me access to places that you generally wouldn’t get access to. “The trip to Sweden was an eye-opening one because it showed us how responsible they are.

“They have these luxurious houses with two bathrooms, they haven’t got a clatter of them. The people all live in apartments in the city during the winter and during the summer they head off and live in their summer houses so Sweden was fascinating and it was the trip that I learnt the most from despite it being the closest to home,’’ said Mr Bannon. As to ‘Room to Improve,’ and problematic clients? “I’m hoping for more of the same with the show because I think if it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it! We have six new projects and six brand new couples. We have houses in fantastic locations all over Ireland and they are all very different builds to what we have done before. I was excited working on them so I hope you guys are excited watching the show,’’ explained Dermot. “I pick my battles and I do get frustrated with the clients but I wouldn’t give up with them. I would email them in the middle of the night and I would ring them, if they are married I would talk to the husband or wife and try to get them to not give up on an idea I’ve put forward and then there are other times when you have to say right I’m done here if you’ve really fought a battle,’’ concluded Dermot Bannon.

“It’s INcREDIbLY stressful.”

The story of

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“My FAVOURITE space in the house is sitting by the window in the kitchen where I can listen listen to THE BIRDS SING.”

Behind the doors of Senator Norris’ home www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

David Norris

“My life has been great fun’’ says Senator

David

NORRIS Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Home and Build

enator David Norris is a former University lecturer as well as being a member of the Oireachtas; having served in Seanad Éireann since 1987. Senator Norris is a prolific figure in Ireland, most notably for his hard work in endeavouring to Campaign for the Homosexual Law Reform. In 2011, he also ran in the campaign to be the next President of Ireland but he was pipped to the post by the current President, Michael D Higgins. After the Presidential campaign, he was diagnosed with li-ver cancer. Having bounced back from the awful disease and with an irrepressible vigour for life at the wonderful age of 76, Senator Norris very kindly allowed this publication into his home on North Great George’s Street to talk about the Georgian house he bought 40 years ago for a price of 25,000 Irish pounds, his life and his interest in watching antiques pro-grammes. “When I was a child back in the 1950’s there weren’t any com-puter games and there wasn’t all of this entertainment that there is nowadays for kids. I had an Aunt who I really loved,’’ said Senator David Norris. “My Aunt had a lot of old leases and deeds from the houses that they had lived in, in the 18th and 19th century and what we used to do on a Saturday; we would take out one of the deeds and we would go and look at and see if we could find where the houses were and my Aunt would talk about the lovely fan-lights, the wonderful plaster work and so forth. “I developed a love of these houses and we lived in Ballsbridge and when my Mother died I had to sell the house and I moved to a modern four bedroom house in Dundrum; I lived there for three years, I kept the house very well and I had nice furniture and after three years I sold it for three times the price I paid for it. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

David Norris

The neighbours were furious with me but they should have been delighted because I was setting up the value of their houses. “Then I moved to a lovely Edwardian house in Greystones with an acre of grounds and I used to slave in the garden. People would come down to visit me at the weekends and they would tell me that I didn’t know how lucky I was to have all this space and a lovely garden and I would tell them lucky my fanny,’’ he added. “When I got more involved in public life, living so far away became more awkward and I was running a gay disco around in Parnell Square and then suddenly the numbers dropped. We were the first gay disco ever and a commercial disco set up because they saw the possibility of making money and it was been run in the basement of a house across the street (from this house) and I came around to have a look at it (the disco) and I fell in love with the street because I thought it was absolutely beautiful and I was determined to buy a house in the area. “This house (my house) came on the market. It went to auction but I was away when the auction took place and I had assumed that the house had been sold but it wasn’t. 12 months later I bought the house. It was full of nurses, students, doctors and people like that and I said to them when you can move on please do. “There was a very nice family living here and they lived in one room which was made up of smaller rooms such as a kitchen, sitting room, a bedroom and there was a bathroom down the corridor. I spoke with this family and told them I had asked the other tenants to leave as it was just a flat to them but I told the family that I wasn’t going to kick them out or put the rent up as they had lived here all their lives. It was lovely because I became a part of the family almost. “When the family died off, I took down the partitions and there was an old wooden Victorian fireplace in the room and I designed a marble fireplace and had that put in. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

It is very much in the 18th century style,’’ Senator Norris went It is very much in the 18th century style,’’ Senator Norris went on to explain. on to explain. Throughout the four storey house, rooms are decorated in Throughout the four storey house, rooms are decorated in period colours of green and red, and the furniture is all in period colours of green and red, and the furniture is all in keeping with the period as well. Since buying the property, he keeping with the period as well. Since buying the property, he restored the rooms to their original state and added his own restored the rooms to their original state and added his own personal touches including a mural on the staircase. The home personal touches including a mural on the staircase. The home is full of family heirlooms and Senator Norris uses every part is full of family heirlooms and Senator Norris uses every part of the house. “This house is so quiet and I have a lovely garden of the house. “This house is so quiet and I have a lovely garden out there. Unfortunately half of the garden and the mews had out there. Unfortunately half of the garden and the mews had been sold off years before I bought the house. This side of the been sold off years before I bought the house. This side of the city had been the fashionable part of Dublin in the 18th cencity had been the fashionable part of Dublin in the 18th century and a lot of members of Parliament and so on would have tury and a lot of members of Parliament and so on would have had their town houses on this street and on the surrounding had their town houses on this street and on the surrounding streets and then a lot of them moved to London to be closer streets and then a lot of them moved to London to be closer to the Parliament. to the Parliament. “The houses were then sold and they first of all became pro“The houses were then sold and they first of all became professional houses and then later on tenement houses. When I fessional houses and then later on tenement houses. When I moved in here 40 years ago, this street was in great difficulty moved in here 40 years ago, this street was in great difficulty and its sister street Dominic Street had been flattened by the and its sister street Dominic Street had been flattened by the corporation, there were only six 18th century houses left on it corporation, there were only six 18th century houses left on it and the rest were rather miserable corporation flats which have and the rest were rather miserable corporation flats which have now been knocked down and they had the intention of doing now been knocked down and they had the intention of doing the same to this street to acquire the houses and pull them the same to this street to acquire the houses and pull them down,’’ he explained. down,’’ he explained.

“I “I LOVE LOVE meeting meeting people people but but I’ve I’ve no no problem problem on on

MY MY OWN. OWN. II am am not not LONELY.” LONELY.” “Working on this house has been a labour of love. There “Working on this house has been a labour of love. There were financial pressures because it is expensive to do up a were financial pressures because it is expensive to do up a house and I didn’t have huge amounts of money, I only had house and I didn’t have huge amounts of money, I only had my inco-me from Trinity and so on,’’ revealed Senator my inco-me from Trinity and so on,’’ revealed Senator Norris. Norris. “I worked on the house one room per year and that made it “I worked on the house one room per year and that made it an adventure. It was lovely to have a new place. The last an adventure. It was lovely to have a new place. The last room I worked on was the front room here on the ground room I worked on was the front room here on the ground floor. I had it full with boxes of papers and manuscripts, floor. I had it full with boxes of papers and manuscripts, documents and other things. I gave all of the stuff to the documents and other things. I gave all of the stuff to the National Library and that cleared out the room so I put in a National Library and that cleared out the room so I put in a book case and a piano.’’ book case and a piano.’’ Earlier this year, he competed in the celebrity edition of Earlier this year, he competed in the celebrity edition of the RTÉ One programme ‘Home of the Year 2018,’ the RTÉ One programme ‘Home of the Year 2018,’ alongside Lorraine Keane, Eoghan McDermott, Melissa Hill alongside Lorraine Keane, Eoghan McDermott, Melissa Hill and Mike Ross. and Mike Ross.

Senator Norris’ home was crowned the winner of the show and Senator Norris’ home was crowned the winner of the show and he split his €5,000 prize money between two rather worthy he split his €5,000 prize money between two rather worthy charities. charities. “When the producers of Home of the Year 2018 approached “When the producers of Home of the Year 2018 approached me I was surprised because I’m not a celebrity but then when me I was surprised because I’m not a celebrity but then when I saw the other people I didn’t know them and in reality I saw the other people I didn’t know them and in reality we’re ordi-nary people who have a bit of a public profile. I we’re ordi-nary people who have a bit of a public profile. I also thought they preferred to feature houses that have also thought they preferred to feature houses that have everything in pla-ce, modern designs and they all have everything in pla-ce, modern designs and they all have huge kitchens with big islands. When I was growing up, there huge kitchens with big islands. When I was growing up, there was no such thing as an island in a house, you might have was no such thing as an island in a house, you might have seen them in American films. We had a big house in seen them in American films. We had a big house in Ballsbridge but the kitchen was tiny and there was a range Ballsbridge but the kitchen was tiny and there was a range cooker and a sink in it,’’ enthused David. “I was very cooker and a sink in it,’’ enthused David. “I was very surprised when I was announced as the winner of the show. I surprised when I was announced as the winner of the show. I gave half of the money to Sister Stan for the homeless. She is gave half of the money to Sister Stan for the homeless. She is a lady who I have a lot of admiration for. I’m so lucky in that a lady who I have a lot of admiration for. I’m so lucky in that I have this beautiful house and there are other people in the I have this beautiful house and there are other people in the area who have nothing. The other half of the prize winnin-gs area who have nothing. The other half of the prize winnin-gs went to Belong To and they have a very good programme to went to Belong To and they have a very good programme to stop bullying of young gay people in schools and I think that stop bullying of young gay people in schools and I think that is terrific. I was never bullied in school about being gay is terrific. I was never bullied in school about being gay because I was an alpha male,’’ he said. because I was an alpha male,’’ he said. As to his favourite space in the house? “My favourite space As to his favourite space in the house? “My favourite space in the house is sitting by the window in the kitchen where I in the house is sitting by the window in the kitchen where I can listen to the birds sing,’’ said a smiling Senator Norris. can listen to the birds sing,’’ said a smiling Senator Norris. As a man who has already planned his funeral and has a As a man who has already planned his funeral and has a eulogy prepared. He reflects upon his life and goes on to eulogy prepared. He reflects upon his life and goes on to explain that he is someone that always had a lot of energy explain that he is someone that always had a lot of energy and he’s being happy. Over the last few years, his physical and he’s being happy. Over the last few years, his physical energy has been sapped by the cancer he had a number of energy has been sapped by the cancer he had a number of years ago. “I have organised my funeral down to the last years ago. “I have organised my funeral down to the last detail. There will be a Haydn Mass, a bit of Mozart, two detail. There will be a Haydn Mass, a bit of Mozart, two lovely little weepy Victorian hymns, a proper Communion lovely little weepy Victorian hymns, a proper Communion service, incense, the works, the ballad of Joe Hill, and then service, incense, the works, the ballad of Joe Hill, and then a jazz band. I am also going to deliver the eulogy, I have a jazz band. I am also going to deliver the eulogy, I have already recorded it professionally. “If my life was to end already recorded it professionally. “If my life was to end tomorrow, I would describe my life as fun. It was great fun, tomorrow, I would describe my life as fun. It was great fun, he says with a smile. Living alone but being such an he says with a smile. Living alone but being such an extroverted person must be a weird existence for him or is extroverted person must be a weird existence for him or is it? “I love meeting people but I’ve no problem being on my it? “I love meeting people but I’ve no problem being on my own. I am not lonely. I watch antique programmes and own. I am not lonely. I watch antique programmes and politics; I love watching antique programmes because they politics; I love watching antique programmes because they are great! I also read quite a lot. I used to play Rugby but I are great! I also read quite a lot. I used to play Rugby but I woul-dn’t turn over in bed to watch it now! Although I would woul-dn’t turn over in bed to watch it now! Although I would watch the French team because they have such nice short watch the French team because they have such nice short trousers and they show off their wonderful legs,’’ concluded a trousers and they show off their wonderful legs,’’ concluded a laughing Senator David Norris. laughing Senator David Norris.

“I’m “I’m so so LUCKY LUCKY in in that that II have have this this BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL house.” house.”

www.hom ea nd b uild .ie www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

A new product

and plant for

Kilsaran

Significant investment by Kilsaran, paving the way for new products by Emer Kelly Founded in 1964, Kilsaran has grown considerably to become Ireland’s largest independent manufacturer of a range of concrete products. This family-owned and run business is quite literally Irish from the ground up, mining raw materials from its own quarries and manufacturing end products at its various manufacturing plants across Ireland. Kilsaran specialises in making superior quality paving and walling, road surfacing materials, pre-mixed dry mortars, renders, screeds and, of course, ready-mixed concrete and blocks. The supply of standard, unique and bespoke product solutions to both the commercial and domestic market is centred on a continual commitment to manufacturing excellence and technical expertise.

Following a significant investment in a brand new state of the art Hermatic Press Production Plant, Kilsaran is delighted to introduce the new Merrion flag paving range. With a stylish contemporary look and feel, characterised by clean sharp lines, Merrion is the first in a suite of new paving products to be produced from the new plant. The new Merrion range is available in Silver, Black and Buff granite and is ideal for patio areas and gardens that want that extra special look of class and elegance. Merrion’s clean edges and smooth texture mirror the latest design trends helping customers achieve a contemporary look to their outdoor space. All Merrion flags are 40mm in depth for greater ease of application, offering a modern alternative to porcelain and natural stone. Adding to an extensive list of advantages of concrete paving over natural stone, the new Merrion Range is manufactured with a robust, high performance surface layer improving strength, colour retention and slip/skid resistance. The real benefits of this new paving range are the reduced installation time and cost saving that is achievable when choosing Merrion over natural stone or granite.

“

There has been a growing appetite from our customers in recent years for paving products that are durable, easy to install, cost effective and easy to maintain. This is where our new Merrion Range comes in, the range is contemporary and offers a real alternative to porcelain or natural stone. We are excited about the new hermatic press and are currently working on an exciting new range of paving that will come to market in the coming months. With recent pandemic, there is a global shortage on availability of imported paving materials, now we can offer both quality and supply to our local markets,’’ said Director of Paving & Walling Kilsaran International Roy McKeown.

The Paving & Walling division was introduced in 1994 in Dunboyne, Co. Meath with the addition of an extensive Showroom and Showgardens in 2008. The gardens feature 14 individually designed spaces featuring Kilsarans full range of paving and walling products and is open to the public all year round.

Proud to be a member of the Guaranteed Irish family of brands, the Kilsaran Group currently employs more than 500 people at numerous locations around the country. Finding the best solutions for all our customers and bringing innovative and unique products to the market is what drives and motivates us. ‘Ideas taking Shape’ is what they call it.

paving

;OL 4LYYPVU 9HUNL Kilsaran Home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Visit our Paving & Walling Showroom in Piercetown, Dunboyne, Co. Meath A86 W820. 01 802 6300

info@kilsaran.ie

www.kilsaran.ie

Forget DIY, here comes

Baz & DIY SOS In conversation with RTÉ presenter Baz Ashmawy Words: Emer Kelly

az Ashmawy is an Emmy and IFTA Award Winning Radio and TV Broadcaster who has been a truly exciting Talent on our airwaves for over ten years. Most recently, Baz’s show ‘Wingman’ aired to phenomenal praise on RTÉ One. The show saw Baz guide many different characters from all walks of life on a journey towards making their dreams a reality. The show has been commissioned for a second series. In 2018, Baz took to the shiny stage of ITV to host their musical game show called ‘Change Your Tune’, He also created and presented ‘All Bets Are Off’, a documentary on the topic of gambling for RTÉ. For one of his epic adventures, Baz was joined by his Mammy Nancy for a whirlwind journey across the globe for the hit Sky 1 show, 50 Ways To Kill Your Mammy. His first TV adventure was the wildly energetic and hugely successful hit comedy/travel series How Low Can You Go? on RTÉ Two which ran for five seasons. After this his first solo project saw him delve into the weird and the wonderful, from witches to biker gangs and from eccentrics to people who lived only on road kill with his brilliant and insightful series Baz’s Culture Clash on RTÉ Two. With no time to stop Baz began his next project Baz’s Extreme Worlds traveling to a maximum security prison in Oklahoma, trekking through the Arctic and working on a Trawler ship in Ireland. On RTÉ, Baz followed his spiritual journey back to practicing Islam for The Lost Muslim.

Image: Noel Kelly Management

He also presented The Fanatics on Sky 1. He can be found regularly guest presenting on RTÉ Radio One. Mr Ashmawy was also recently announced as the host of the Irish version of DIY SOS which will air later this year on RTÉ One.

“

It’s very moving and powerful.

Here, we discuss the show and the future with Baz who very graciously accepted our interview request and was very giving with his time. “I think because DIY SOS is such a huge show in the UK, there was an element as to whether or not we could pull this off in Ireland and we were thinking are we too small of a country compared to the UK and its population and even from the point of view of companies coming on board and donating.

The show is all based on good will and genorosity and the show wouldn’t work without a lot of people from catering to volunteers, to people getting supplies and bigger construction companies,’’ said Baz Ashmawy. “Recording the show has been amazing and I have always felt that Irish people are at their best when they are helping other people because it is just in our nature. You see these ladies and men on site; these men have big shovel hands and they are breaking their back for nothing and some of them have travelled two or three hours to come to site for seven o’clock in the morning and heading home at seven o’clock that night and returning the next day “There is a huge sense of community with this show and it is unbelieveable to see this sense of community and togetherness. My job is just to tell the story of the family from day one and how we are going to change their lives forever in the space of nine days. It’s very moving and powerful to be a part of something like this ,’’ added Mr Ashmawy.

“The turn around of the projects in insane and I think that is why everybody loves it. Alan and John from Sycamore Construction are the head builders over the projects and I don’t know how they orchestrate the projects because the work is relentless for nine days.

“

I’m new to this show and I do get upset on site sometimes and I do relate things to my own family but that is only because I have a family and they are the hinge of my life so personally for me it helps me to relate to the masses because sometimes I am talking to a large group of people and I have to talk from the heart and everyone volunteering on the show is the same as they all have familes and to get the best out of them, I have to maybe tug a bit on the heartstrings and remind them that we all have families and maybe at times we take stuff for granted and until it is shown to you or you see an example of how it can go the other way you don’t really savour or appreciate what you have enough, he enthused.

“Sympathy does very little for people and pitying someone does very little for people but having empathy and feelings for someone and their situation isn’t a bad thing. There is something very special about this show, it’s as inspiring and great as it is sometimes upsetting and sad.

Shows like this don’t come around very often and I love it. “Prior to COVID 19, we shot two episodes and then we downed tools. We are starting to film a new episode this month and it will be tricky enough due to restrictions and it will be like a military operation. There will be a lot less people on site so we will have to work on the projects over a longer period of time. Filming is going to be a lot more intense, it will be a bit more pressure but we will do the project. The show is going out around November,’’ added Mr Ashmawy. As to the future? “I’m working on my own podcast called ‘The Good, The Baz and The Ugly,’ and I’m working on other tv projects.

“

I’m very lucky that I enjoy what I do and when I get up in the mornings going to work doesn’t feel like a chore,’’ concluded Baz Ashmawy.

Sympathy does very little for people.

BathroomBuilders have room to

Expand

The future of Bathroom Builders is bright Words: Emer Kelly

Images: Webpress

“

We offer a turn key package.

Bathroom Builders are regarded as one of Ireland’s most illustrious and innovative suppliers of bespoke luxury bathrooms. They offer an industry renowned tailored sales and design service providing an end to end solution. Bathroom Builders furnish a distinguished level of quality and design and believe that this can only be achieved by the superiority of their customer service. Their experience and reputable reputation in the industry allows for outstanding guidance and sourcing of the most beautiful bathrooms in Ireland and worldwide. Bathroom Builders nationwide status with showrooms in Dublin, Cork and Limerick provides a unique resource for private and commercial clients alike. All of their clients from domestic consumers, designers, architects, managers or developers are guaranteed to receive first class service, products and after sales service. A sophisticated, turn key package is what clients can expect upon submitting an enquiry to Bathroom Builders who will promptly book an in home consultation for a time and date that suits you. Experienced consultants will then survey your bathroom and get a feel for what it is that you want to do and what is the best use of your use space. Clients can expect a fully itemized quotation within 48 hours of this visit and

“

We’ve plenty of opportunities coming up.

are then invited to the showroom to meet with a designer who will offer advice on colours and furniture selection. Peter O’Halloran of Bathroom Builders asserted that business has been going very well in the two years since the company’s inception and that’s no surprise considering that once a client is booked in for an instillation date, the team will arrive on site on the date you are given and they will be finished in your house within three to five days. On discussing bathroom trends for the next 12 months Peter explained that “shower enclosures are coming back, we are finding ourselves fitting a lot more shower enclosures than we are walk in showers. Tiling is becoming a thing of the past, a lot of people are moving away from tiling as they find it cold, half tiling and wallpaper is becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms. There is also a new product called ‘air slate,’ which is used as a tile substitute coming on to the market”. In terms of the future for Bathroom Builders?

We’ve plenty of opportunities coming up and our short term plan is to grow and conquer within our already established areas such as Cork, Limerick, Dublin and Kerry” concluded Peter O’Halloran.

THE BATHROOM RENOVATION EXPERTS

Cork: (021) 433 6666

Kerry: (066) 717 4025

Limerick: (061) 970 166

sales@bathroombuilders.ie

Unit 5a, Link Road Business Park, Carrigrohane, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. P31 VF34

TREASURE IN CAVAN

A hidden

Treasure in Cavan

A family home nestled into the landscape Words: Emer Kelly Pics: McGarry Moon Architects

www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

TREASURE IN CAVAN

www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

TREASURE IN CAVAN

estled into the rural landscape of County Cavan, Portanure House combines traditional building techniques with contemporary technologies to create a simple and elegant modern home. Located on the western shores of Lough Gowna, the dwelling embodies a deep ambition to assimilate with its rustic surroundings. Work began on this property in November 2015 and work finished in May 2017.

The property was designed by Steven Moon and Jessica McGarry. McGarry-Moon Architects is a design-led rural practice located outside Kilrea, Northern Ireland. As a young dynamic practice, projects are seen as an opportunity to create beautiful, lasting and enriching architecture. Operating across Ireland and internationally, they design a mix of public and private contemporary buildings. Their design process fuses new technologies with older building techniques, in order to create an architecture for the 21st century that adopts the spirit of the vernacular.

www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

Over the past five years McGarry-Moon Architects have been recipients of six RIBA awards and three RSUA awards, and were shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2017 for their architecture office ‘Fallahogey Studio.’ Here Mr Moon talks to us about this property. “The clients approached us as they wanted to build a contemporary house on family land which overlooked Lough Gowna which is a very remote part of Cavan. The house lends itself very well to the area; a satelite navigation system would never bring you to this house! The house can never been seen by anybody as it is in such a remote part of Cavan,’’ said Steven Moon. “The design is expressed as a glazed plinth with a floating timber-clad volume above. On approaching the house, a reclaimed sandstone wall leads guests along to the entrance and establishes the dwelling’s northern boundary.”

TREASURE IN CAVAN

“The interior was developed as a series of sub-spaces that ebb and flow into one another. As one space shifts into the next unexpected sightlines emerge, creating a spatial richness,’’ explained Mr Moon. The design of the house is rather spectacular and as previously mentioned the house lends itself well to its surroundings; this house is striking to look at throughout the year but especially during the winter months when the water level is high. In terms of layout, the ground floor is composed of open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, with ancillary spaces located to the north of the property. Glazed on three sides, the living and dining areas flow out to terraces with impressive views across Lough Gowna. A timber staircase is lit from above by a large roof light, flooding the stairs and double-height entrance space with natural light.

“First floor accommodation includes a master suite, three bedrooms, study and family bathroom. The diagonally pitched roof configuration creates an accentuated feeling of space in the upstairs rooms. Externally the zinc roof composition serves to integrate the building into the landscape, creating a subtle addition to the surrounding area and the view from Lough Gowna. A stone clad separate small building to the northwest provides a double garage,’’ revealed Steven. “The plan for the house is quite a traditional and linear one,’’ added Mr Moon.

“The house RESPECTS the SURROUNDING landscape.” www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

TREASURE IN CAVAN

“PORTANURE HOUSE fulfills the clIENt’s BRIEF.”

The building work went smoothly enough and as it was a selfbuild project all elements were organised by the clients themselves. The scheme deals intelligently with the climate, integrating environmental techniques from the onset of the design process. The house is constructed to passivhaus standards in order to minimise future energy requirements. The building fabric ensures excellent thermal performance, airtightness and incorporates mechanical heat recovery ventilation. The house is insulated with wool insulation and it also has an air to water heat pump installed. The polished concrete floors downstairs create a thermal mass. The wool insulation along with the airtightness membranes work well together. Throughout the year, the polished concrete floors downstairs are heated by sunshine and this floor holds the heat. “Concrete flooring combined with the stone wall provide thermal mass to utilise solar gain, helping to maintain a stable internal temperature. An air to water heat pump efficiently delivers heat requirements through under-floor heating within the polished concrete floor,’’ imparted Steven. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

TREASURE IN CAVAN

“The HOUSE is constructed to PASSIVHAUS standards.” “Portanure House fulfills the client’s brief regarding comfort, value and environmental friendliness. A re-evaluation of vernacular dwelling, this property constitutes a modern interpretation of a rural dwelling, creating a balance between tradition and innovation,’’ he said. “This was a nice little project to work on, the clients were very trusting and open minded which is very important; they wanted something different and forward thinking but done with as many traditional materials as possible. “The house respects the surrounding landscape and wider environment, whilst fulfilling the desires and lifestyle aspirations of a modern family,’’ concluded Steven Moon.

CONTACT LIST ARCHITECTS : Steven Moon/ Jessica McGarry, 9 Fallahogey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5ST 028 2954 2323 www.mcgarry-moon.com info@mcgarry-moon.com MAIN CONTRACTOR: Thomas Briody, 086-3862460 STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: S2K Structures 2000 Ltd, 9 Grange Park, Magherafelt, BT45 5RT, United Kingdom 0044-2879633876 www.s2kltd.com info@s2kltd.com STEEL FRAME: A&P Engineering, 10 Portna Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 8SX 0044-2829571267 www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

ZINC ROOF: David Hylands, Edgeline Metal Roofing Ltd, 44 Smith Street, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7PG, United Kingdom 0044-2886748455 www.edgelineroofing.com david@edgelineroofing.com ALUMINIUM WINDOWS: The Folding Door Company of Ireland, 44-45 Block 503 Grants Drive, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, County Dublin 01-4018282 www.foldingdoors.ie info@foldingdoors.ie CEDAR CLADDING SUPPLIERS: JP Corry www.jpcorry.com 0044-2879468622

TIMBER DOORS: Norman Wallace, Norman WallaceJoinery, 15 Garvaghy Road, Portglenone, County Antrim 0044-2825820195 normanwallace260@btinternet.com FLOORING: Trunk Surfaces Brook Building, Rossculban, Kesh, County Fermanagh, BT93 1TF 0044-2868632200 www.trunksurfaces.com sam@trunksurfaces.com CONCRETE FLOORING: John Carroll Concrete Concepts 086-8131996 www.concreteconcepts.ie info@concreteconcepts.ie

CLASSIC KITCHENS German Kitchens

To book your design consultation please visit: www.classickichenscork.com| info@classickitchenscork.com | Tel: 021-4375900 Unit 2 Innovation Park, Carrigaline Industrial Est, Carrigaline, Cork P43C995

It’s all about

Dave Doyle Plastering

“I trained as a Plasterer through FAS at the time and it is quite sad because it isn’t the same now as it was back when I was going to college and doing my exams to become a Plasterer as the system has changed due to the recession and now obviously COVID-19. A lot of people are taking on apprentice’s but they don’t want to send them to college for five months so I’ve no issue giving people a chance as we all have to start somewhere,’’ he enthused.

In conversation with Dave Doyle Words: Emer Kelly

Images: Webpress

Dave Doyle Plastering is a company based in County Wexford. Mr Doyle is a qualified Plasterer with 18 years experience. Covering all aspects of plastering, the company are fully insured and provide free quotations. “I set the business up back in 2015 and business is grand. Work comes in waves like any other business; one minute you are tipping away with work and the next minute you are then out the door. You will always a few weeks work ahead of you but within a few days, you could end up having six months work ahead of you which is good,’’ explained Dave Doyle. “I was planning on joining the army and take part in the Peace Keeping Missions but I never got around to joining the army hence why I became a plasterer instead and subsequently set up my own company. “I do a lot of the work myself when it comes to the business and I have someone that works alongside me as well. I am hoping to take on an apprentice shortly and once I’ve one apprentice trained up then I would be willing to take on another apprentice to give people a chance,’’ added Mr Doyle.

“

Work comes in waves

“

“In terms of my work I would find that it is word of mouth more than anything else. The amount of work I do in a day is unnatural! I would travel anywhere for work; I would often be up at half five in the morning and I might not be home until 10pm that night,’’ concluded Dave Doyle.

Covering all aspects of Plastering

AVE DOYLE Plastering davedoyleplastering@yahoo.ie 0863989331 davedoyleplastering

F u l l y C e r t i fi e d

1 8 Ye a r s Experience

Covering All of Wexford & surrounds.

Fully Insured

All about

Big H

The Plumbers In conversation with Harry Ryan by Emer Kelly With more than 30 years’ experience, Big H the Plumbers specialise in local plumbing and heating services in Wexford. The company caters for both commercial and domestic clients and are fully qualified in all areas of plumbing and heating including complete bathroom refurbs, all general plumbing, installation, maintenance and repair, oil heating installation maintenance and repair, solid fuel wet and dry installation, maintenance and repair, renewables installation maintenance and repair and NZEB Construction projects. “I returned home to Ireland when I was qualified as a plumber and I set up my own company. I wanted to become a plumber as my best friends brother was a plumber. When we were in school there was a new school built and we moved from the old school to the new school and even though the school wasn’t 100%

“

I started plumbing in my apprenticeship 34 years ago and I started my apprenticeship with a bathroom fitter when I was 16 and I did my apprenticeship in England because at the time apprenticeships weren’t available for plumbers, explained Harry Ryan.

finished they moved us in and the plumbing work was on going and I just wanted to be him and that’s what attracted me to plumbing. “Good plumbers are like hens teeth. I’ve a fourth year apprentice coming home from Australia to start work with me in September. His parents saw an advertisement that I had placed in the local newspaper and they informed him of the business looking for an apprentice and he contacted me. He’s got six months left to do in his apprenticeship and then he will be fully qualified,’’ enthused Mr Ryan. As to the future of the company? “Our main remit is that we are bathroom fitters so over the years we would have been fitting bathrooms for private customers and for local bathroom shops in Wexford and we are also contracted to Wexford County Council and the HSE. We don’t travel outside of Wexford for work. When the lockdown started in April we had to drop our bathroom fit outs so we were then asked to supply emergency services for the County Council and HSE which means that if a County Council, HSE or Private Client rings with a problem we are then sent out to the house wearing the protective gear, safety boots and a breathing apparatus to do the work.

“

From September, we are hoping to be back fitting bathrooms as long as we are able to gain access to the respective house for a few days without anyone living in the house as the house has to be vacated for us to do the work in their house as we have to have a method statement to proceed with the bathroom fit out and we can only work in a vacant property due to the Corona Virus, added Harry Ryan.

big H the plumber Ltd

Salville, Enniscorthy, Wexford, Y21N5W8

Complete Bathroom Refurbs All General Plumbing, Installation, Maintenance And Repair Oil Heating Installation, Maintenance & Repair Solid Fuel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wet And Dry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Installation, Maintenance And Repair Renewables Installation, Maintenance & Repair Nzeb Construction Projects

info@bigh.ie

www.bigh.ie

The future looks bright for

ICON Construction

A one stop shop for all your renovation needs by Emer Kelly Paul Corrigan is the Managing Director of ICON Construction in County Wexford. With more than 20 years in the building industry, Mr Corrigan offers a multitude of services all under the one roof; everything from a bathroom makeover to a new home, all fully insured. “Most of our work is in the renovate and extend category and I would say that 80% of our work is in that category and then we would work on new builds and smaller projects,’’ said Paul Corrigan.

“The smaller projects could be working on driveways or patio areas, flooring, roof work or a bathroom makeover. For the construction end of things within the business we are fully Wexford based. “I have another company called ICON Resin and that would take us outside of Wexford,’’ explained Mr Corrigan. ICON Resin are certified in installing resin bound gravel. The benefits of using resin include: Resin is permeable which enables rain to permeate through the surface and allows ground water to level which helps regulate the effects of heave and shrinkage which reduces standing water, surface water run off and flash flooding. Resin is aesthetically pleasing. Not only is resin bound paving decorative, it is sustainable, practical and versatile. Resin bound paving is available in a variety of colours and textures and it is suitable for any type of project from a new build or refurbishment and all

style of property from modern to traditional, listed or heritage. Resin is resistant to weather changes. Resin bound paving doesn’t soften in summer, freeze in winter or fade in the sunlight. Alternatives such as asphalt tend to soften in the heat which can result in marks in the surface, freeze in the cold weather and experience colour deterioration due to UV exposure. Resin bound paving is up to one third quicker than some other materials to install. It can be laid over existing surfaces such as asphalt and concrete as well as directly onto a type 3 sub-base with a reinforcing grid and separation membrane. “I’m happy enough with the scale we’re at and the

p a c e we’re working at. I don’t want to grow the company and make it too big, too quick. I’m pushing ICON Resin hard at the minute as I’m trying to develop that further,’’ he revealed. In terms of advice Mr Corrigan would give to anyone as they prepare to extend or renovate their home?

“

If you have the right people for the right job then it makes life very simple. We have all of our own sub-contractors so we’re a one stop shop. It is something that we have built up over time. It is every man to their own job basically when it comes to our company and we’ve a good team working for us, concluded Paul Corrigan.

www.iconconstruction.ie @iconconstruction.ie

ICON Constructions have over 20 years experience in the building trade. A multitude of services all under one roof, everything from a bathroom makeover to a new home, all fully insured. Please feel free to contact me for a quote for your individual needs.

Call Us: 0871473767 Build

Extend

Renovate

Many to strings

bow

O’Sullivan Constructions

In conversation with Jerry O’Sullivan by Emer Kelly If you are in need of quality building contract work in Cork, then you will get no better than the team at JOS Construction. Jerry O’Sullivan Construction take pride in every project undertaken no matter how large or small. They provide a wide selection of building contractor services such as full building renovations, home extensions, garage conversions, sunroom extensions and conservatories. Their builders can also supply clients with a large range of cottage and bungalow extensions throughout Cork. The team at JOS Construction have been involved in building contract projects all over Cork. Our team have provided building services for dwellings and structures in Cork city and have been involved in full builds throughout the city as well as other Cork towns such as Midletown, Mallow, Fermoy, Ballincollig, Carrigaline and Carrigtohill. Their most recent projects have seen the team providing new builds and extensions in Kanturk, Blarney and Douglas. The team at JOS Construction are all time-served experts in several aspects of the building contract trade. Every project we are involved with is done with the utmost care and quality. Their work is always completed with the guarantee that it will meet their clients wishes and total satisfaction. They are well known throughout Cork for being professional and reliable and this is something that the team take very seriously. Jerry O’Sullivan Construction are always conscious of the costs of projects and will always provide quotes that are reasonable when compared to other Cork builders. From planning to finish they can design building projects that will blend with the natural style and ambience of a building whether it’s a commercial structure or a client’s home. In recent times their Cork client base has grown considerably and they know this is mainly because of their professional attitude and their attention to every detail. “I started out in 2005 and business is good. We’re

a small business but that is the way that I like it. I set up the company when I was 24 and getting work wasn’t a problem and then the recession came and it changed my view as I took on any bit of a job I could at all and it was an education which was for the better and we came out of the recession stronger,’’ said Jerry O’Sullivan. “During the Covid 19 Pandemic, we had a few jobs paused but it has taken off again at a huge rate. It is myself and two employees. “I did my apprencticeship in joinery in Whitfords Woodturning in Blackpool and we used to make pieces of furniture, curved stairs and bespoke work for shops including Keane’s Jewellers and Michelle’s Jewellers and then I left that and went to Australia for a year to do the back packing thing and when I came back home I wanted to go on to sites with the big cranes and the yellow jackets and I did that for a year before going out on my own. I stuck with the carpentry for a few years but I wanted to stay true to the joinery and with joinery every bit of the detail is important,’’ enthused Mr O’Sullivan. “At the moment, we’re working with a lot of glass, a lot of steel, cedar timber and natural slate. Over the years, my experience with timber and in joinery has turned to working in construction and with concrete, steel, slate, timber and various other materials. “As we’re a small crew, I will generally take a job on start to finish and then just move on to the next job and our clients appreciate that. Our work is generally word of mouth and an online presence is handy and it is vital but if somebody recommends you to a neighbour or a friend you have a better chance of getting the job rather than if somebody sees you on the internet but if somebody knows that you have done a good job for someone they know then you are off to a much better footing,’’ he imparted. In terms of the future of the company? “I would like to do more detailed projects so the more detail the better. If someone wanted me to do a 10 square metre project and it was very detailed then I would be very excited whereas if somebody asked me to doa 100 square metre project and it was just a traditional old fashioned build then I wouldn’t be as excited about it. My aim is detailed jobs and having a few strings to my bow definitely does help in making my job more exciting. “We’re digging foundations at the moment and that’s very enjoyable. I’d be bored stiff if every day was the same,’’ concluded Jerry O’Sullivan.

Before

Interior

After

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING AND RENOVATION CONTRACTOR FULLY INSURED ALL WORK GUARANTEED REFERENCES ON REQUEST COVERING CORK & SURROUNDS

JOS Construction, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Co.Cork

jerryosullivan15@gmail.com | 086 122 2637

The house on the

HILL

In conversation with Liz Balbirnie Words: Emer Kelly

Images: RTÉ Press Office

“

My favourite spot is the couch.

nterior Designer Liz Balbirnie and her husband Ian Switzer live in a contemporary upside-down house in Howth, County Dublin. Liz and Ian had been living in an old house when they decided to make a change. When the offer of a site on the hill side that took in views of Lambay Island and the Mountains of Mourne came up Liz, an interior designer was excited by the prospect of designing her dream home. Liz created an upside-down house to take in the stunning views. Liz’s contemporary style is expressed through the use of furniture, sculptures and a monochromatic colour scheme. The combination of the glass and open tread staircase ensures a good flow through the upper and lower spaces. The house is cost effective to run and is a great example of contemporary design both inside and out. “The shape and angle of the site half determined what way the house would be designed because the site was sloped almost 45 degrees so we had to dig in to the site to get a flat section and basically build the house into the hill so when you see the house from the front level you are looking at one storey which then goes down into the hill at that level and at the back the house is two storey,’’ explained Liz Balbirnie. “Due to the stunning views we decided to build the house upside down and have all of the living spaces upstairs to maximise the views. We walk in on the living level; both our side door at the kitchen and the main door at the front are at road level so it is not as though you have got to bring in your groceries and carry them up the stairs so in that respect it (the house) works very well,’’ she added. When granting the planning permission, the planners put a limit on the ratio of windows to walls. Due to this Liz saw no point in the back of the house on the lower floor having windows facing into the hill; she didn’t bother too much with windows there as this was the utility area, and so was able to have plenty on top, in the living area as well as walls of glass, she has tons of skylights, so there is light everywhere. Each floor is 1,100 square feet; downstairs, there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a gym, while upstairs, apart from a tiny office for Liz, the space is

open-plan, and comprises of a kitchen with an island, a dining table, and a comfortable living area. The house has underfloor heating and a heat-recovery system, and inside is at a constant 21 degrees. The floor upstairs is engineered limed oak, while downstairs, there are porcelain tiles in the hall, with carpet in the bedrooms.

“

I love the house.

“I’m so proud of the house and I love it. I loved the way the house turned out and I wouldn’t change a thing about it if I was to start again. As an Interior Designer, it was difficult to work on my own house and that is where my business partner Robert Glynn came in and was so helpful because I could make a decision for a client in two minutes but it is so much more difficult to make a decision for my own house because there are so many things available and even when I would make a decision about something, something new that I really liked would come on the market,’’ enthused a laughing Liz. In terms of Liz’s favourite place in the house? “My favourite spot is the couch in the middle of the living room because you get the whole panoramic view because there is so much glass in front of the couch. The living room is a lovely space to relax in and the whole house is so calm and that is obviously

down to the colours and tones as well as the amount of light coming into the house. “As the house is North facing we were afraid that it was going to be grey and dull so that is why we put the patio windows on the South side of the house (to allow light into the space) and set a hedge back from that for privacy from the road and we also put in really, really big roof lights to capture the light and one roof light is set into the deck on the South balcony so that it gets the light down to the floor below it because that is the part that is built into the hill.

I’m constantly changing the art on the walls in the h the walls so once I sell a piece of art, another piece go concluded Liz Balbirnie.

CONTACT LIST: INTERIOR DESIGN: Liz Balbirnie & Robert Glynn Habu Design, 62 Clontarf Road, Clontarf West, Dublin 3 P: 01-8335127 M: 087-2560490 M: 086-4456062 W: www.habu.ie E: info@habu.ie

house because I’m always picking up bits and pieces and I also paint myself so it is mostly my own art that is on oes up so in that respect I’m always changing stuff around,

Carpenters that are in their ‘PRIME!’ In conversation with Charlie from Prime Carpentry by Emer Kelly

Ensuring the health and Safety of their staff and all those that work with us is a priority for Prime Carpentry. All staff have completed Safe Pass and Manual handling and are equipped with the appropriate PPE. There are also two trained First Aiders on the team. Being part of the community is important to them. Prime Carpentry provide training and employment to local people and also sponsor a local football team called Leeview Athletic.

Prime Carpentry are a carpentry company based in Cork city. The company started in 2015 with two staff and has grown to over 20 strong. This has been by expanding and developing the types of projects and developments. It is also because the team work to deadlines and meet them. Prime Carpentry’s reputation is based on reliability, safety and on time.

“My business partner Robbie and I set the company up five years ago when we came back home from Canada. We started small and gradually we have expanded bit by bit, we were lucky with the contractors that we got involved with and we’re lucky with the team we have working for us and thankfully the business is flying and we’re doing very well,’’ said Charlie.

Prime Carpentry specialise in all types of carpentry; housing projects, roofing, slating/ tiling, first fixings, second fixing and one off houses.

“All of our work is Cork based. With the crew we have, the jobs that we take on are usually big residential schemes. We have also been awarded as the best

“

My business partner Robbie and I set the company up five years ago when we came back home from Canada. We started small and gradually we have expanded bit by bit, we were lucky with the contractors that we got involved with and we’re lucky with the team we have working for us and thankfully the business is flying and we’re doing very well,’’ said Charlie. All of our work is Cork based. With the crew we have, the jobs that we take on are usually big residential schemes. We have also been awarded as the best Carpenters in Munster this year.

Their projects include; private housing schemes, social housing schemes, schools, nursing homes, apartment blocks, office blocks, one off houses and hotels. Prime Carpentry’s Apprenticeship scheme has helped many young people develop a trade in carpentry. There are currently apprentices from first to fourth year Solas on their team.

Carpenters in Munster this year. “Over the next number of months, we want to keep tipping away and doing what we’re doing as well as keeping the crew tight,’’ concluded Charlie.

30 South Ridge, Tivoli, Silversprings, Co. Cork, T23 V1W3, Ireland

087 610 1651

www.prime-carpentry.ie

info@prime-carpentry.ie

I’m happy enough to

continue what I’m doing. In conversation with Fergus Collins by Emer Kelly

Fergus Collins Construction is one of the busiest general building contractors in Munster, with a portfolio of developments covering commercial , education and residential structures as well as having in depth expertise and a special interest in restoration/ conservation and Eco/ sustainability projects.

Services available include; General Construction, Public & Private Projects, Project Management, Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS), Safety Management and Quality Management. With recent projects ranging from construction of large scale landmark buildings to home renovations Fergus Collins and his experienced team have established themselves as the trusted experts throughout Tipperary, Clare, Limerick and Offaly. From their base in Ballina Killaloe the team at Fergus Collins Construction have gained a reputation for completing contracts on time and pride themselves on the delivery of high quality building services ensuring customer satisfaction. Fergus Collins works closely with the customer throughout the project to ensure completion on time and within budget. “Myself and my wife Nicola set the company up 24

years ago and business is going very well. I can’t keep up with the work which is great,’’ said Fergus Collins.

“We are currently completing a large scale project in Killaloe and have commenced construction works on six private dwellings for individual clients. Works have also begun on two renovation projects.” “In terms of going forward, I would love to work on larger scaled projects. We currently employ twenty skilled workers that are all from the locality and engage the services of eight subcontractors on a regular basis. We usually try to take on an apprentice each year, currently we have four local apprentices training with us and in March 2019 one of them was selected as one of the top six apprentice carpenters in the country to compete in the Ireland Skills Live Final in the RDS.

“

The potential to take on more projects and more staff is there. The industry is thriving and I look forward to the next challenge, concluded Fergus Collins.

Fergus Collins Construction Limited ferguscollinsconstruction@gmail.com

www.ferguscollinsconstruction.ie

086 2108202

Fergus Collins Construction Ltd. Ballina Killaloe Co. Tipperary

Wood Flooring Ireland continues to grow In conversation with Martin O’Callaghan by Emer Kelly

The floors of your home are an art space and one of the first features people notice when they visit your home. You can change the aesthetic and ambience of an entire room just by changing the floor. At Wood Flooring Ireland, they pride themselves on creating exquisite bespoke handmade quality wood flooring. Every floor is as unique as the person designing and ordering it. Whether you desire straight plank, herringbone flooring, Versailles panels, chevron flooring or a mixture of patterns, Wood Flooring Ireland can create your dream floor in any style, plank width and colour. Their luxurious European Oak is carefully sourced from the finest forests, expertly milled by their experienced sawmill team and treated with high quality eco-friendly finishes. All their semi-solid engineered flooring is produced onsite here in Wood Flooring Ireland’s factory in Cork. Whatever your flooring vision is, we can create it. Whether you’re after a traditional long plank wood floor, a modern geometric chevron pattern or a contemporary herringbone design, or perhaps a stylish Versailles panel, it is all available at Wood Flooring Ireland. You can also select the same width for all planks or a mixture of widths for a more custom approach. Rather than traditional brown you may prefer a grey tone wood floor or a modern light oak; they have a colour bank of more than 800 colours so your floor can be crafted to perfectly coordinate with the rest of your home. Three different grades of European Oak are available for your wood flooring, based on the presence of knots – dark circular or oval areas of grain indicating where a branch once was. ‘Rustic grade’ includes the most knots, providing character and a more natural appearance. ‘Nature grade’ has fewer knots than ‘rustic grade’. Then for a very clean and knot free look they offer the ‘Select grade’ which is from the deepest part of the tree. All their finishes can be applied to any grade you desire.

Unlike other companies, Wood Flooring Ireland know exactly where their wood comes from. Years of research preceded the selection of the source of their European Oak. Mature trees with uniform growth are carefully selected to ensure that only the highest quality wood reaches the sawmill. Their European suppliers factories are inspected several times a year and Wood Flooring Ireland oversee all aspects of the timber floor creation process locally. Here, Managing Director of Wood Flooring Ireland Martin O’Callaghan talks to us. “We’re in business 15 years and business has been very busy. We’re ahead with our figures for this year despite the business having to close for two months due to COVID 19,’’ said Martin O’Callaghan. “We launch projects on a weekly basis as we produce everything ourselves in Cork. We’re constantly creating new products such as new colour developments. Our showroom is closed every Monday so that we have the time to create new colours. We have more than 800 different colours so we’re constantly working to see what colours work with what and whilst we might not like a colour our customers might love it. “In terms of popular floor colours this year, sandy colours and taupe colours are really in as well as black,’’ added Mr O’Callaghan. As to the future of the business?

“

We are currently opening a design and architect showroom on the other side of Cork City and we’re also in the process of fitting out a showroom in Ballymount in Dublin and the plan for next year is to open a showroom in Galway. It is very busy and we also export to the United Kingdom and America and we intend to develop our exporting more so, concluded Martin O’Callaghan.

021 4629913 sales@woodflooringireland.ie woodflooringireland.ie

Cork Showroom - Wood Flooring Ireland, 19 Northpoint Business Park, Mallow Road, Cork

Dublin Design Studio - Unit 2, Ballymount Cross Business Park, Ballymount Rd Lower, Dublin 24

All about

Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds In conversation with James O’Driscoll Words: Emer Kelly

Images: Webpress

astlefreke Shutters & Blinds are a Cork-based shutter and blind company specialising in stylish and functional shutters and blinds for domestic and commercial clients.

experts when it comes to installing the perfect shutters and blinds for your home, meaning you can rest assured that your blinds are top-quality, beautiful, and functional.

Established by James O’Driscoll, who has more than 10 years in the industry, Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds offers a range of modern and traditional shutter and blind solutions to suit every type of home.

If there’s one type of home design that will never go out of style, it’s shutters. Shutters are an amazing alternative to classic blinds or curtains, providing a stylish, durable, and long-lasting solution for your windows and doors.

Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds take care of all the work for you, from measuring your window to purchasing, supplying and installing your blinds. Their years of experience as a company have made them

Unlike the flimsiness of traditional blinds, shutters come in a range of solid wood or PVC materials and are installed directly onto your door or window,

meaning that they will last the same lifetime as your entire house. Alongside providing light blocking, good quality shutters will give your home privacy and will even protect your windows and doors during harsh weather conditions or attempted break-ins. The team at Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds are experts when it comes to the design, measurement and installation of shutters. They offer free home consultations for all customers, where they will measure your windows or doors to

create perfectly-fitting shutters to your taste. Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds also offer expert advice on shutters, ensuring that you can find a shutter type to suit you and compliment the beauty of your home. Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds supply and fit a variety of high-quality, affordable blinds, with styles to suit all types of interior. They are blinds experts; since our establishment we have provided numerous domestic and commercial clients with stylish, functional blinds to suit their interior. Their selection of blinds include; Velux, Roman, Vertical, Roller, Wooden Venetian, Faux Wood, Aluminium Venetian, Perfect Fit Aluminium Venetian and Vertical Blinds.

“I set up my own business in 2016 because I wanted to be my own boss and I enjoy fitting shutters,’’ said James O’Driscoll. “Business is going very well since returning to work after Covid 19. In terms of why people pick shutters for their home? “Shutters will work in any house and there is a fantastic heat saving of up to 63% with them and it also helps to reduce the noise (of passing traffic) if you are living in a town,’’ added Mr O’Driscoll. “I think shutters actually add value to a house because they will last a lifetime compared to blinds. After five or six years, a customer may want to change their blinds so if you are going to change blinds again in a few years time, by the time you are finished you will have spent more on blinds and perhaps curtains than you are on shutters which will be there for a lifetime,’’ he enthused.

“

Shutters actually add value.

“

As to the future of his company? I cover the Munster area but if a customer wants to install shutters all over their house then I will travel so distance isn’t an issue. Going forward, if I can stick to the Munster area and get plenty of work around here then that would be great but if I have to travel I will,

concluded James O’Driscoll.

Castlefreke Shutters & Blinds Castle Freke, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland P85P521

0866613989 info@castlefrekeshuttersandblinds.ie www.castlefrekeshuttersandblinds.ie

27 Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, Down, BT23 6UE 028 9754 1648 info@functiondesignfurniture.co.uk

An amazing space in

Belfast â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I wanted the house to be quite daring.

In conversation with Interior Designer Lee Austin Words: Emer Kelly

“

It’s in my blood.

Images: RTÉ Press Office

In conversation with Interior Designer Lee Austin by Emer Kelly Interior designer Lee Austin and Mark Johnston had been looking for a spacious house in Belfast that Lee could put his own stamp on. As an Interior Designer Lee works on any properties but his home was by far one of the biggest challenges he ever worked on. They did a full refurbishment and the only things that remain in parts of the house are the doors, staircase and the fireplaces. They reconfigured the layout to suit how they wanted to live in the house. They took the original molding from the living room and replicated it so they could have the feature throughout the house. They also added bespoke paneling to add more character to the walls. An extension was added at the back so they would have an open plan kitchen, living and dining area. Being very proud of what their home and love for entertainment, it was very important to create a space for their friends and family and for them to enjoy it as much as both Lee and Mark do.

Here Lee discusses this project for Renovate your Home...

“

As far as all of our projects go, our house would be one of the most challenging that I have had to work on as projects go. We wanted to create a home that was going to give us the best of summer and winter so we searched for somewhere with enough room to create an open plan airy everyday room that that would be lovely and bright during the summer. Equally we wanted a large more formal space that was all about entertaining in the winter so we went for darker, punchier moody tones to enhance the architecture at the front of the house, It was all about scale and proportion, warm metal finishes, and rich heritage inspired colours and quirky features that we love.

“I wanted the house to be a little bit daring; no pale insipid woodwork but teal and bottle green whilst injecting our personalities into the house and not worrying what other thought but what we wanted for ourselves’’ added Lee.

form aspirations into beautiful pieces. As a design collective, it is their role to conceptualise and tailor an environment that is both personal and comfortable reflecting their clients’ taste and personality.

Lee Austin Interior Design provides bespoke, timeless, luxury interior design schemes focusing primarily on residential projects. From the sourcing or creation of individual pieces through to a full interior

“We bought the house three years ago and the first thing we did when we got the keys was strip everything out. The house was very much loved by its previous owners by they had just wall papered over the cracks and it was quite dated. The house didn’t

design service, with tailored management from conception to completion. Working with only the best designers, makers, fitters and art consultants, sourcing products both locally and across Europe, they trans-

work for us, the proportions of the rooms at the back of the house were quite poky whilst the scale of the rooms at the front of the house were slightly better,’’ he enthused.

In terms of how the refurbishment went?

“We started working on the house immediately and the building team worked relentlessly until the week before Christmas 2017. The house was re-plumbed and re-wired, every wall was either taken down completely or re-plastered, we reconfigured the top floor by installing an extra en-suite and dressing room and then changed around some of the middle floor such as adding a dressing room and putting in an new ensuite off the master bedroom.

“

There is something about an old house. “To be honest I was concerned about going into a full house renovation simply due to time constraints and very busy working hours however in the end we found a house that needed to be pulled apart and started again. Ultimately I didn’t want to compromise in the end, doing a full renovation on this house was the best thing we ever did and we’re so glad that we embarked on it because it has given us everything we wanted. It became our labour of love” “There is something about an old house that you cannot replicate with a new build and I don’t know whether it is the cracks in the walls and the little imperfections but with the best will in the world and with the best Architect I still find that if you try to make a brand new house feel old, it will never work and it will always look like a new house where as in an old house there are just things about it that gives it soul and that for me is everything.

“Whilst waiting for planning permission, we didn’t have a kitchen for the first six months living at our new home. Finally the foundations commenced in Jan 2018 and by summer we were enjoying out newly anticipated and kitchen and living space,’’ explained Mr Austin.

I never wanted to buy a new house; it was always going to be an old house as that is where my heart lies. There is something very rewarding about taking an old property and bringing it up to date,’’ imparted Lee. In terms of whether or not this will be Lee and Mark’s forever home?

“There will definitely be another renovation project! It is in my blood now and I love renovating houses. Three years on there are things that I would do differently with our house and it will always be that way. “We’re going to really enjoy this house for another 10 years whilst really enjoying the house and then maybe renovate an old character property again and add a vry contrasting contemporary space but we don’t really know what we’re going to do at the moment. There will always be something that is on the long finger,’’ concluded Lee Austin.

CONTACT LIST INTERIOR DESIGN

Lee Austin, Lee Austin Design, Victoria Lodge, 158 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3EQ, United Kingdom P: 0044-2890672266 W: www.leeaustindesign.com E: info@leeaustindesign.com

KITCHEN

Function Design Furniture, 27 Ballymorran Road, Newtownards BT23 6UE, United Kingdom P: 0044-2897541648 W: www.functiondesignfurniture.co.uk E: info@functiondesignfurniture.co.uk

TILES

WOOD FLOORING

P: 0044-2890232136 W: www.davidscotttiles.com E: info@davidscotttiles.com

P: 0044-2892692304 W: www.wilsonsyard.com E: iancopeland@wilsonsyard.com

David Scott Tile, Bath & Stone, 11-19 Blythe Street, Belfast BT12 5HU, United Kingdom

BATHROOMS: Wayne Lyons, Soaks Bathrooms, 5-7 Off Apollo Road, Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6HP, United Kingdom

P: 0044-2890681121 W: www.soaksbathrooms.com E: showroom@soaksbathrooms.com

Wilsons Yard, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore BT25 1QW, United Kingdom

Bloom

Applewood

Furniture is in

In conversation with Michael O’Riordan by Emer Kelly Applewood Furniture have more than 25 years’ experience in all aspects of the furniture trade. Their goal is simple: they keep their overheads down to keep prices down for their customers. The Furniture on their site will require some assembly, so they offer an assembly service, at an additional charge, on all furniture requiring assembly.

“

I work as a contract kitchen fitter and I was just thinking about the fact that I am going in to people’s houses every day and I was thinking about why couldn’t I sell kitchen and bedroom sets without the expense of a warehouse so I set the furniture company up to run in conjunction with the contracting business I have. All of the furniture I sell is imported from the United Kingdom through the North, said Michael O’ Riordan.

“Over the last year I have invested a lot in to it (the business) because I will have to give up my contracting job as it is becoming too physical. “Going forward, I am also going to be selling laminate flooring and sell it online. If someone would like a sample of the flooring, I can post it to them and then I can have their order delivered straight to their door via courier. We will travel all over Ireland with the flooring and in terms of the furniture side of the business we currently stick to the Munster Region but hope to extend this as the business grows,” concludes Michael O’ Riordan.

089 601 6951 087 098 5029 info@applewoodfurniture.ie www.applewoodfurniture.ie

You r c o m p let e fu r n i t u r e s o l u t i o n

Laminate

Floor & Furniture

Visit Ou r O nline S t or e

Eddie

Is the man to get it

A synopsis of Complete Attics by Emer Kelly Words: Emer Kelly

Images: Webpress

Whether you want an extra bedroom, a studio or a home office Complete Attics based in County Clare will completely transform your attic creating your dream space. “I set up my business upon my return from Australia in 2007. Business is going quite well. We have built up a good reputation and are doing our best to maintain that,’’ said Eddie Dunne. “We are covering the Munster area mainly Limerick and Clare but from time to time we venture further afield. We specialise in attic conversions particular-

Dunne

ly for extra bedrooms, bathrooms, playrooms and more recently home offices. Once we have met with our clients and finalised design plan (Depending on the project) a complete conversion can take between three to four weeks. In terms of advice Eddie would give to anyone thinking about converting their attic? “Plan, plan plan! First step is to determine whether your house is suitable for an attic conversion. If you can comfortably stand up in the attic then it has the potential to be a room. Then there is lots to consider such as the design, the structure, the position of windows, the stairs, energy efficiency etc. Be clear on how you will use the extra space so it becomes a functional room instead of another place to gather clutter. Whether used for a home office, extra storage, or bedroom; an attic conversion really adds to the quality and value of your home,’’ he enthused.

As to the future of the company? My future plans for Complete Attics is to build on what we have and to grow our business organically. We are also looking to get more involved with energy efficient homes and maybe to start retrofitting houses, concluded Eddie Dunne.

Place in History

Patrick Bradley brings a thatched cottage alive in Derry.

atrick Bradley Architects is a vibrant RIBA/Multi Award Winning design led practice creating architecture throughout the UK and Ireland with head office based in Maghera, Northern Ireland.

Patrick Bradley established the practice in 2008 and has gained publicity after appearing on Channel 4’s Grand Designs and House of the Year. Subsequently the featured house ‘Grillagh Water,’ designed by Patrick Bradley Architects, has gone on to win several awards regionally and nationally. With an array of projects under his belt all over Ireland, this talented Architect jumped at the chance of working on what was a derelict cottage on the outskirts of a small village in County Derry. “We had been recommended to the client for my experience in working with Listed Buildings and Protected Structures throughout Ireland. It is a very unusual one and half storey thatch cottage so we were very excited to be appointed to work on such a rare building,’’ said Patrick Bradley in relation to this unique property. “The cottage is situated just on the outskirts of Bellaghy village in County Derry. It sits proudly by the roads edge and you can’t miss its prominence in the landscape. “I was first involved with this project back in 2013 and on site construction commenced early September 2016. The contract duration was set at nine months to be completed by June 2017. The thatch roof had partly collapsed to the most northerly gable literally flooding the internal of the cottage,’’ revealed Patrick. Where the thatch remained, it was thin with gaps with serious ingress of water and damp. The cottage was overgrown with vegetation that it was barely recognisable from the public road. It required an extensive conversion as most of the original timbers, both floors and ceiling, had rotten from years of neglect and there were some structural issues to contend with by the collapsed roof,’’ he enthused. “The cottage is a very rare one and half storey Grade B2 Listed dwelling. The external remains largely unchanged. Obviously, it has had a makeover with a new roof, including new timbers and straw thatch.

www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

Place in History

From

dereliction to

preserving its place in HISTORY Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Aidan Monaghan

“The COTTAGE is a VERY RARE one.” www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

Place in History

“The white wash on the walls was chipped back to expose the stone and a fresh coat of lime white wash render was applied. All windows were retained, made good and repainted. The chimneys were repaired and restored,’’ added Mr Bradley. “The internal of the dwelling had a few internal layout changes but all was carried out sympathetically and to the approval of Historic Buildings. Typical of old cottages the rooms were small in nature further sub divided to provide very small bedrooms each accessed through one another. We changed the configuration to permit each bedroom its own access from a corridor,’’ Patrick went on to explain. They were restricted to the fireplace locations and openings however could re-arrange the plan around these to suit. The stairs were non compliant to todays building standards and therefore had to be relocated in order to comply with regulations. This assisted with the first floor layout. “Previously the dwelling only had a first floor over half the house. We were successful in implementing a full two storey over the length of the dwelling. The external outbuildings were all restored back to life, as well as rebuilding the boundary wall to the roadside and repairing the original iron gates,’’ he imparted. Due to the nature of traditional solid stone wall construction, it is important to consider the breathability of the existing structure. The walls naturally have a thermal insulation value and therefore it was considered the external walls did not require any insulation. Mr Bradley carefully designed the cottage to employ modern day oil fired heating to radiators systems. From the outset, this property looks quite dainty and short on space but this isn’t the case as in Patrick’s own words the house is ‘’quite deceiving,’’ and ‘’large in accommodation.’’ “On entrance to the cottage, you are immediately welcomed through a small entrance hall to the main living space which is the heart of the house. Directly off this is the kitchen / dining area with access to an external coal house lean to. The revised location of the stairs is also evident from the living room as is the internal corridor leading to the two double bedrooms and bathroom’’ explained Mr Bradley. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

“Previously the DWELLING only had a FIRST FLOOR over half the house.”

Place in History

“The predicted LIFE expectancy of a THATCH ROOF varies.”

A small utility space and rear door are also accessed of the living room. Upstairs serves a further two double bedrooms, one ensuite, main bathroom and large hotpress/store. As this property was in a rather depleted state as well as what the owners were keen to achieve, were there any difficulties when it came to working on this project? “As predicted, due to the nature and state of this building, once the thatch was removed in full, the northern gable became structurally unsound and had to be underpinned and made good back to the original detailing,’’ he said. “As we had thought most of the existing timbers were rotten and had to be replaced. There were no major delays and the contractor successfully maintained programme.” In terms of upkeep, will there be much to do? “In this instance, there will be an additional element of maintenance required compared to modern buildings Whilst the thatch is treated when it is installed, it is a natural material that does weather when exposed to the harsh Irish weather,’’ Patrick explained. “The predicted life expectancy of a thatch roof varies due to many factors including the material, quality, skill of thatcher, geographical location, proximity of trees etc. This thatch installed on this cottage is water reed and typically can last up to 50 years with maintenance in between. www.hom ea nd b uild .ie

From looking at this building back in 2013 to looking at what this building now, surely Patrick has a special place in his heart for it? “My favourite part about this property is seeing it brought back to life. It is a local treasure of architectural heritage and it is quite unbelievable how well known it is in the area. Many people have commented on its reappearance from years of neglect and this without a doubt is such a proud achievement of my career. It has been brought back externally to how it once was and the client has even reinstated the gardens to how she remembers them as a child. Working on this project was a great joy when the thatcher arrived at site. It is a rare skilled trade and the cottage really began to take shape and look like it used too. It was crazy the amount of people that stopped to take photographs when the thatcher was there and now since it has been completed,’’ he enthused. “Deerpark Cottage had suffered from dereliction and neglect over the past 10 years but has successfully been restored to preserve its place in history. The client placed full confidence in us as their Architect to restore it back ensuring the cottage was finished to the highest possible standards to maintain its vernacular Irish roots,’’ added a reflective Patrick Bradley.

CONTACT LIST ARCHITECTS: Patrick Bradley, Patrick Bradley Architects, Grillagh Water House 30 Gortinure Road, Maghera, Northern Ireland, BT46 5PA, 0044-2879401814 studio@pb-architects.com www.pb-architects.com

ABS Construction make their work sound like A,B & C! In conversation with Alan O’Shea by Emer Kelly

ABS Construction is a family owned construction business based in the heart of Co Wexford. At ABS Construction they have a flexible client focused approach which ensures our projects whether small residential or commercial projects are carried out professionally. With more than 30 years’ experience within the construction industry ABS pride themselves on customer satisfaction with an unrivaled aftercare service.

“The company was established in 2017, I come from a Quantity Surveyor background and my two brothers are plasters by trade. It’s a family business and we mainly specialise in renovation and restoration work,’’ said Alan O’Shea of ABS Construction.

“

Business is very busy and we’re currently working on a renovation project on a house in Waterford where the house originally had an energy rating of G and we are trying to get it up to an a1 energy rating so there are substantial elements going in to this project as we are trying to keep the original aesthethic of the house but it is a nice job to be working on. “We are also working for the Local Authority in Carlow where we are renovating three apartments,’’ added Mr O’Shea.

Their services include commercial services, residential services, renovation and extensions and plastering works.

“Going forward we want to move on to bigger projects because we have the capabilities and skill set. We’re in business three years and we want to grow our name. Currently most of our work is word of mouth. Most importantly we always want to do good work and build up good relationships that way,’’ concluded Alan O’Shea.

MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME A REALITY OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HIGHLY SKILLED TEAM Alan:

086-3566017

Stephen: 087-6829593 info@absconstructionltd.ie Glenour, Adamstown, Co. Wexford

www.absconstructionltd.ie

llow

Why

Envirobead is the company for you In conversation with Niall McCarthy by Emer Kelly

Envirobead are an insulation systems company based in County Cork. Their services include cavity wall insulation, heating and plumbing, new build solutions, project management and technical information. “The private home owner has a got the Better Energy Schemes which offers grants available for heat pumps, PV and various types of wall insulation. We have a network of installers nationwide and they are selling that with most and we are also involved with the SEAI Community Scheme which has led to doing deep retro-fitting projects and partnering with housing associations and local authorities,’’ said Niall McCarthy. “I’m from a Civil Engineering background and I was always interested in energy efficiency. “At the minute, I’m in the middle of retro-fitting 200 houses for clients and we are bringing these houses up to an average of a B2 rating and we are also tendering for projects with the Local Authorities.

“

Business is going very well, we’re very busy. We’re hoping to grow with the industry as it grows,

concluded Niall McCarthy.

INSULATION SYSTEM DESIGNERS MANUFACTURERS & INSTALLERS

WE SPECIALISE IN NEW BUILDS & ONE OFF HOMES TO BOOK YOUR FREE HOME ASSESSMENT CALL 022 22102

Donal 086 811 7873

Kieran 087 773 5934

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086 159 6040 info@nuhouse.ie

Digital Marketing

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Insulex are at the

top of their game In conversation with Martin McCarthy by Emer Kelly

Insulex was originally founded more than 20 years ago as a specialist building contractor. Today they are one of the construction industry’s leading renovation, insulation and energy upgrade specialists in Cork. Insulex offers a ‘concept to completion’ approach for all your property renovation and energy upgrade solutions. Managing Director Martin Mc Carthy, is a hands-on renovation and insulation specialist, who has a creative eye for architectural design and quality workmanship. 10 years ago Insulex started concentrating on building insulation methods for external and internal use. There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient with good insulation being just one of them. Insulated homes are comfortable homes and Insulex can help you reduce your heating bills with their insulation package.

“

The house you live in now should be cosy.

Insulex offers a wide range of home renovation services including remodelling, renovations, extensions, insulation and full energy upgrades. “People know Insulex as an Insulation company but we actually specialise in renovating and remodelling homes and optimising energy efficiency,’’ said Martin McCarthy. “We’re a design and install company that will work within your budget to deliver exactly what you want and what your home needs in terms of energy efficiency and longevity. We advise our clients to develop a wish-list and then we will work with them to prioritise what is needed in the home according to their budget. “We are taking homes from G and F ratings and giving them back as high as up to A1 rating,’’ enthused Mr McCarthy. In terms of how business is going? “Business is good, given it’s been a tough year on us all. We are delighted to see most of our contracts coming from word of mouth. As a family business, this is in line with the ethos of the company where we place customer service and support at the top of our priorities. “We don’t do ‘new-builds’, we work with existing homes to redefine and maximise space, enhance comfort levels and optimise energy efficiency.

“

Business is good.

Images: Webpress

The house you live in now should be cosy, comfortable, and energy-efficient for YEARS to come and this is why we focus on renovations, re-modelling and energy upgrades to future proof your home. concluded Martin McCarthy.

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021-4778562

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facebook.com/insulex

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RENOvATE YOUR HOME

In conversation with KARINA SzMURLO by Emer Kelly

“W

K Composites is based in Slane, County Meath. They specialise in the design and production of custom fibreglass products.

The professional team has 15 years of comprehensive experience in the field of composites. WK Composites activity includes the design and production of plugs, moulds and the production of composite elements. They also have a relationship with a company that supports CNC, with which WK Composites can take the technical drawing to the finished part. Their products ensure full traceability of all materials and components used. They are currently the main GRP supplier for international minibus conversions EVM and EVM Direct. The company’s mission is to manufacture fibreglass products with highest care for quality and safety of use. WK Composites also strive to maintain the best standards cooperation with clients and contractors. Their team is constantly evolving, both in terms of new solutions and laminate production technology to meet the needs of the market and meet the expectations for each individual customer. The production of fibreglass elements is their passion. You can make virtually anything from laminate due to its unusual properties. A great example of using these possibilities is the manufacture of of elements such as hulls and decks of sailing boats and motors, yachts, windmills with current turbines, GRP vehicle body elements, sanitary fittings, swimming pools, cabins, tanks, buildings, window sills and exterior decorative elements.

THE STORY OF WK cOMPOSITES The benefits of GRP materials include; resistance to UV radiation, no corrosion reaction, water resistance, no oxidizing effect, resistance to most chemicals, high resistance to mechanical damage, 75% lighter than steel equivalants, easy to repair if any damage occurs, high impact resistance and design flexability. “Since 2017 we are running a family business, a composites company based in Grangegeeth, Slane, Co.Meath. Our company operates under the name of WK Composites Ltd our small team have over 15 years of experience working in the industry,’’ said Karina Szmurlo of WK Composites. We have experience in tooling plugs and moulds and parts production.Our knowledge of processes and materials has grown over many years in the composites industry. Our services include plug and mould design and manufacture as well as composite part production. “Our products are designed with the help of modern technology used all over the world. Our products are guaranteed to be top quality. We do our best to satisfy our clients,’’ added Ms Szmurlo. Some of our products include shower trays, leakproof shower pods, waterproof wall panels, baths, sinks and disability aids. “When it comes to motorsport, bus and coach, our offer includes the production of parts for the automotive sector - Motorsport, bus and Coach. WK Composites manufactures fibreglass auto panels, GRP body panels and fibreglass body kits to any specification and tolerance,’’ she enthused. We can reproduce parts of passenger cars, vans and racing cars to the exact required tolerances and specifications. From new models to replacement GRP body panels for existing cars. “The GRP composites we use make it possible to produce fibreglass car panels, GRP body panels and fibreglass body kits according to your budget. Due to more than 15 years of experience in the field of production of components from GRP composites, we have extensive knowledge and experience, thanks to which we provide our clients with our high-quality services,” concluded Karina Szmurlo.

RENOvATE YOUR HOME

In conversation with NOEL NOLAN by Emer Kelly

olan Home Improvements are expert loft converters and extension builders. They work exclusively in the domestic market.

This means Nolan Home Improvements can concentrate solely on the loft conversion and extension needs of the homeowner. They offer customers their extremely competitive pricing structures and they have garnered a reputation for the speed of their builds and professional, customer focused approach. Nolan Home Improvements staff can boast a minimum of 20 years’ experience in the loft conversion and home extension industry. The team offer clients an all in one service. They also take care of everything during a loft conversation. Any plumbing, electrics or installation that needs to installed, their fully qualified team are able to handle it. This means they are able to offer clients a quick, pain-free attic conversation or home extension. The speed of Nolan Home Improvements service means they are able to pass on savings to their customers making them one of the most competitively priced loft converters and home extension builders available in the Blessington to South Dublin To Naas Triangle area. “I set the company up in 2011 and business is going very well. I’m working in the building industry since I left school. 90% of our work would be word of mouth,’’ said Managing Director of Nolan Home Improvements, Noel Nolan. “We’re very busy with no plans to expand the business as we are happy with where the business is going. I’m working in this industry since I’m 17 years of age and I still enjoy what I do,’’ added Mr Nolan. As the loft conversion specialists Nolan Home Improvements converted lofts for a myriad of different purposes. So often the extra space afforded by an attic is wasted on simple storage when a loft conversion – like those supplied by Nolan Home Improvements – can add a whole extra floor to a home property. The loft conversions they offer customers are fully insulated and professionally built within an agreed upon timeframe. During a loft conversion, the company take care of all aspects of the conversion and the build. Their expert team design your new loft layout and work alongside customers in creating the kind of loft conversion they want, and one that’s perfectly suited to their purpose. A professionally converted attic can add significant value to a property along with adding much needed extra space. The Nolan Home Improvements team are well experienced when it comes to knowledge about extensive, professional house extensions. The team are available from the design stage right up to the last day of the build. They work closely with your architect and engineer to ensure customers a smooth, professional building process.

The company’s customer focused approach means they are always available to advise and update customers on the progress of their build. They are available to build extra rooms from the ground up and extend rooms within a property. Nolan Home Improvements professional team have developed a reputation as professional, competitively priced, tidy reliable workers within the Dublin homeowner community. Their attractive pricing structures for home renovations means a full-scale home extension need not cost an arm and a leg. Nolan Home Improvements is a fully SEAI Registered home extension company. They are able to apply for the home extension grant for their customer and this scheme gives government assistance to those looking to renovate or extend their home. The company are able to advise customers if they qualify for this grant and they take care of all the paperwork for clients.

“NOLAN HOME IMPROVEMENTS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!” They are also a fully registered housing adaptation grant contractor. In cases where a person needs to modify their home due to issues with mobility, the company help customers through this process. Nolan Home Improvements also offer advice and assistance and take care of all the paperwork involved. Nolan Home Improvements provides customers with a range of domestic renovation services. They specialise in providing customers with full-scale bathroom renovations. Their expert team are able to design a new modern bathroom that fits in with the aesthetic of your home. Their team are able to advise clients on everything from tiles to fixture placement. Their general building services offer customers a range of renovations services that are perfectly suited to the domestic property. They are bathroom renovation specialists. Their beautiful bathroom renovations turn your old drab bathroom into a spacious eye-catching space. From design to the build’s completion we’re available to guide our customers through the process. Their cost effective bathroom renovations are the perfect choice when revitalising a domestic property. The team are comfortable with all types of bathroom fixtures. Whether your tastes are traditional or ultra-modern, Nolan Home Improvements will be able to design and fit the right bathroom for you. Nolan Home Improvements is available for a range of general building services. These services include; knocking in of walls, window updating/replacing, interior doors replacing, paving, patio building and room extensions. Nolan Home Improvements are also HRI Home Renovation Team Certified, SEAI Certified and Housing Adaption Grant for People with a Disability Certified.

RENOvATE YOUR HOME

In conversation with ROb KNIGHT by Emer Kelly

id-Knight Electrical Ltd are an electrical contractor company serving Dublin and the surrounding counties for more

than 30 years. They specialise in commercial and domestic installations such as relets/rewires, fuseboard replacement, smoke detectors, heat detector and Carbon Monoxide detector installations as well as vanity lighting inside and outside. “It is a family run business that my Dad set up and we are going from strength to strength. Our current list of clients include, the Local Authority, the Office of Public Works (OPW), and the Irish Defence Forces. We do the electrical maintenance for Fingal County Council as well as for the OPW. We also do plant hire and ground works,’’ said Rob Knight of Mid-Knight Electrical. “It was great that I was able to take over running the family business from my Dad, and now there are eight employees working for the company. Of course, there are a lot of ups and downs, but if it was easy to run a business everyone would be doing it,’’ added Mr Knight.

“We have worked on a massive warehouse and hub for DPD Couriers in Santry and we are currently working on two projects which include an attic conversion and house extension, as well as working on a house refurbishment and extension. “We also have designated buildings where we do all of the maintenance on them. Over the next number of months we will be working on a two year project with Fingal County Council where we will be working on empty houses with voids and relets and we will be refurbishing them,’’ concluded Rob Knight.

“MID-KNIGHT ELEcTRIcAL cONTINUE TO GET IT RIGHT!”

RENOvATE YOUR HOME

In conversation with

JOHN McCABE by Emer Kelly

ith more than 20 years of industry experience, JMC Paving & Landscaping are immensely proud of their unique ability to

design and install highly functional paving and landscaping solutions for their clients, creating specialised outdoor and covered garden solutions. From new driveways, replacement patios, paths and retaining walls to complete garden redesigns, no job is too big or small for JMC Paving & Landscaping. The company’s friendly cheerful approach ensures an efficient, reliable service is provided with minimal disruption to your daily life. JMC Paving & Landscaping always set high standards to make sure their customers receive a finished result that exceeds and delights your expectations. “Business is very busy at the moment. Due to the Covid19 pandemic people were in their gardens a lot more and they are now looking at their garden as an extension of the home more so than anything else,’’ said John McCabe of JMC Paving & Landscaping. When we work on a garden, we like to make it a practical outdoor space that can be an extension of the room inside. Even though the word garden scares some people, you don’t have to be one bit green-fingered to have a nice outdoor space. You don’t need to have any interest in flowers or plants to have a nice garden. “I think people have realised over the last number of months that it is actually quite nice to sit outside in the morning and drink your coffee, and it is also good for the mind and soul to sit in the outdoors and relax,’’ enthused Mr McCabe. “I mainly do one off, residential projects, which I get great enjoyment out of doing because I get to know the client and it makes my job a lot more interesting. All gardens are designed encorporating the clients ideas, with their needs and lifestyle in mind,’’ concluded John McCabe.

“THE GRASS REMAINS GREEN FOR JMc PAVING & LANDScAPING”

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