GREEN-DOOR WEEKEND 28th - 30th AUGUST 2015 www.inspirationalhomes.ie
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GREEN-DOOR WEEKEND
28th - 30th AUGUST 2015
www.inspirationalhomes.ie
HOW IT WORKS
Homes and buildings are open for the times
stated and you are welcome to visit when-
T i p s f o r t h e we e k e n d
ever it suits you during those times. Please
TOP TIP - Please read this programme
do NOT arrive earlier than the opening
carefully, check the dates, day & times of
time as homeowners will be busy getting
the events and plan your weekend ahead.
ready for their day ahead. If the house
you visit is busy, you will be asked to wait
PLAN YOUR DAYS
until some people have left.
Booking: All architect tours, bus and cycle • First decide if there is a tour or workshop
tours and workshops must be pre-booked on that you would like to go on and book it.
our website (click on the events page). Other Then plan your day around it. Think about
events can also be pre-booked online and, which other buildings that interest you
as places are often limited, it is advised to do are nearby.
so. See the Debate, the Film Night and the • If you are not going on a tour - make up
Children’s Workshops. The weekend is your planned tour for the day.
mainly free although there is a small charge • Don’t try to visit too many places. You need
for some events to cover the costs. to allow plenty of time to get the most out
of your visit.
Take this opportunity to have a guided • Most homes have 15 - 30 mins drive
tour by the architect of a public building. between them.
Gabriel Toolan and Colin Bell will be • Drive safely, country roads are narrow.
giving a tour of the office (LMS07) Please park responsibly.
on Friday 27th August from 1pm to 2pm.
There will be a guided tour of the FINDING YOUR WAY
Agriculture and Fisheries Board This is not always easy. Each home has direc-
building (LMS06) on Saturday 29th tions and the GPS coordinates. We also have
August at 3pm and Eamon McCarney some signs up, however the budget does not
will be talking at the North West allow for one at every corner. SO PLEASE DO
Health Board building (LMN07) CHECK OUT THE ONLINE MAPS beforehand
Saturday 29th August at 5.30pm. and print them off if you think you will need them.
www.inspirationalhomes.ie/green-door-map.html
For your interest, this year we have included
the icons below to highlight homes
with rainwater harvesting, gardens of
interest and artist studios. Full details of
each property can be found on our website
www.inspirationalhomes.ie
INTRODUCTION Welcome to our third Green-Door weekend, staged and co-ordinated by Inspirational Homes. After the overwhelming response to the success of our previous festivals of rural architecture and design, we are delighted to be able to run again this year. The aim of the weekend is to stimulate and promote discussion amongst ourselves, about sustainable living and building in the countryside. We are all acutely aware of our responsibility to the environment and all of these homeowners demonstrate this through their choice of building materials, design, technologies and ways of life. This is our chance to see for ourselves what works – and also sometimes, what does not. Many of these structures are experiments in sustainability; others are statements in themselves - combining the modern and the rural. They are at the forefront of creative, modern and sustainable building in Ireland and best of all, the owners are all willing to share their homes and their experiences with us. Green-Door weekend is an amazing opportunity to meet, chat and network with self-builders, architects and the owners and residents of these diverse and inspirational buildings. SL01 LMN30 FER01 We have a number of new homes and buildings this year, all very different to each other, and all offering something unique and we have also expanded our area to include parts of Co. Sligo and Co. Fermanagh. Also new are the workshops running on the Saturday for those of you who would like to experience some more hands-on time. We have a weekend programme packed with activities to compliment the open homes; this includes exhibitions, workshops, talks, a film night and children’s activities. Please note that: With so much on, I urge you to read the programme carefully and to plan your weekend ahead. The homeowners are proud of what they have and are keen to share their successes and inspirations with a wider audience. This is what the Green-Door weekend can do. We hope this weekend will inspire you too. Jo Lewis, project manager www.inspirationalhomes.ie 1
GREEN-DOOR WEEKEND DIARY
Saturday 22nd August
1pm TALK ‘Learning from The Organic Centre Building’ P.4
by Colin Bell, The Organic Centre, Rossinver
Thursday 27th August
10am-5pm EXHIBITION Positive Planning & Design in Leitrim, The Dock P.5
8.30-10pm TALK Bats, Birds & buildings by Will Woodrow (LMN29) P.5
Friday 28th August
11am - 3pm TOUR The Crest Centre, Enniskillen P.6
12.30-1.30pm TOUR Gabriel Toolan Office (LMS07) tour by P.7
Gabriel Toolan and architect Colin Bell
7pm LAUNCH Reception and Launch of the weekend at P.10
The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon
7.30-10pm DEBATE ‘Thinking and Doing in the Rural’ with a keynote P.10
speech from Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh and
contributions from Claire MacManus and Javier Burón,
Chaired by Nathalie Weadick
Saturday 29th August
HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN SOUTH LEITRIM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC P.20-28
with homeowners, architects and builders on-hand
10am-1pm TOUR Bus Tour from The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.13
10am-5pm EXHIBITION Anna Macleod, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.12
10am-5pm EXHIBITION ‘Through the Green-Door’ iDoc by Róisín P.9
Loughrey, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon
10am-1pm WORKSHOP The Eco-Building Experience, Leitrim Village P.14
10.30am-1.30pm WORKSHOP ‘At Home Course’ with Mairéad and Rob (LMN17) P.13
1-2.30pm CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.12
1-2pm TALK ‘Rainwater Harvesting’ The Dock P.12
2 www.inspirationalhomes.ie
GREEN-DOOR WEEKEND DIARY
Saturday 29th August (continued...)
2.30-4.30pm TOUR Bus Tour from The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.13
2-3pm TALK Artist’s Talk, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.12
2-5pm WORKSHOP FABLAB Manorhamilton P.15
2.30-5pm WORKSHOP Sheltermaker Theatre, Leitrim Village P.14
3-4pm TOUR Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Building (LMS06) P.22
5.30-7pm TOUR Tour of LMN07 by Eamon McCarney P.17
8-10pm FILM NIGHT ‘Citizen Architect’ and Discussion afterwards, P.16
The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton
Sunday 30th August
HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN NORTH LEITRIM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC P.29-45
with homeowners, architects and builders on-hand
HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN SLIGO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC P.46-53
with homeowners, architects and builders on-hand
11am TOUR BICYCLE & BUS TOURS, Dromahair P.19
11am-5pm EXHIBITION Anna Macleod, Leitrim Sculpture Centre P.18
11am-5pm EXHIBITION ‘Through the Green-Door’ iDoc by Róisín Loughrey, P.9
Leitrim Sculpture Centre
11am-5pm POP UP CAFE Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton P.18
12-4.30pm DEMONSTRATIONS FABLAB Manorhamilton P.15
1-2pm TALK ‘Save water charges - harvest rainwater’, P.4
by Ollan Herr, The Organic Centre, Rossinver
2-3.30pm CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP, Leitrim Sculpture Centre P.18
2.30pm TOUR BICYCLE & BUS TOURS, Dromahair P.19
6pm CLOSING Leitrim Sculpture Centre, tea, coffee and P.18
beer gathering and thanks
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 3
EVENTS AT THE ORGANIC CENTRE Saturday 22nd August - 1pm LUNCHTIME TALK by Colin Bell (FREE) “Learning from The Organic Centre Building” “The Good, the Bad and the U-nique features” Colin Bell gives a performance review of the OC building. He will explain the rationale behind his original design and will discuss the changes that have been made over the years. Looking back, Colin will also reflect on how he would design the building today. WEEKEND COURSES AT THE OC Saturday 22nd August & Sunday 23rd August 10am - 5pm “Building a Cob Oven” €130 (ex. lunch, Grassroof Café open) with Colin Ritchie and Feile Butler from ‘mudandwood’ On this 2 day course, learn where to find soil for building projects, how to analyse it and how to turn it into a viable building material. Participants will learn the traditional technique for foot-mixing cob (earth and straw). Then we will go on to build a cob pizza oven in the garden of The Organic Centre. This is a very practical hands-on course taking place outdoors. Bring good waterproof clothes and footwear. Clothes/footwear will get muddy. Saturday 22nd August & Sunday 23rd August 10am - 5pm “Bent Willow Furniture Workshop ” €130 (ex. lunch) with Tom O’Brien Bent-Willow Furniture, an early American craft was a familiar sight on the porches of America until the 1930's, when modern factory-built furniture took over. On this course you will learn all the skills necessary to construct your own chair and how to adapt the skills to other furniture projects. Limited places available! Book online www.theorganiccentre.ie or call 071 985 4338. Sunday 30th August - 1pm LUNCHTIME TALK by Ollan Herr: “Save water charges - harvest rainwater ” (FREE) Ollan will give an overview of the methods and the natural technologies to be used to avoid the dependence on mains water supply by capturing rain water. These systems require careful planning by home owners and their architects before the building or renovation of any home. The Organic Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday (March to November) from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit www.theorganiccentre.ie or call 071 985 4338.
BATS, BIRDS & BUILDINGS Mike and Jo (LMN29) - Thursday 27th August 8.30pm What we will be doing... FREE. Limited spaces. Online booking recommended. Will Woodrow will give an introduction to bats, their ecology, their use of buildings and why we need to consider them and other wildlife in sustainable building projects. Weather permitting we hope to ‘see’ bats around Jo and Mike’s house using ultrasound bat detectors. Rationale We have shared our living spaces with wildlife for as long as we have been building shelters. With some species such as bats and hole-nesting birds, buildings have become more important for them as their natural habitats become rarer and more under pressure from development and land use change. As we have strived to make our buildings more energy efficient and, in particular, more 'airtight' we often leave less opportunities for these species, yet consideration of biodiversity should be given a high importance in really sustainable building projects. Will intends to give an introduction to some of the issues facing such wildlife, their importance and how you can take account of them in your building projects or existing houses. Will Woodrow has been working in the sustainability field for over 25 years. He is a licensed bat surveyor, which gives him permission to handle these protected species in the course of undertaking surveys. EXHIBITION BY LEITRIM PLANNING OFFICE Thursday 27th August - Saturday 29th August, The Dock, 10am - 5pm “Positive Planning and Design in Leitrim” by the Leitrim Planning Office Examples of existing, proposed and suggested sustainable siting and design of residential dwellings in Co. Leitrim. From Traditional to Contemporary, Renewable Energy and Smart Technology, Landscaping and Setting. www.inspirationalhomes.ie 5
CREST PASSIVE PAVILION (FER01)
The recently completed CREST Passive Pavilion in Enniskillen is a beacon for sustainable con-
struction in the region, demonstrating a wide range of renewable energy and sustainable tech-
nologies. Located at South West College’s Technology and Skills Centre in Enniskillen, it has
been designed to be Passive House Certified, BREEAM Excellent rated and carbon neutral. The
Pavilion is used to host seminars, training, workshops and conferences, and to demonstrate the
latest in renewable energy and sustainable technologies. CREST - the Centre for Renewable
Energy and Sustainable Technologies - provides R&D support to small to medium sized enter-
prises in the region. It helps them to develop and test new product prototypes, and to incorporate
renewable energy and sustainable technologies into existing products or processes.
OPEN Friday 28th August. Tours on the hour from 11am until 3pm.
Please report to the Skills Centre reception for the start of the tour.
LOCATION Enniskillen (+54.33566 -7.622422)
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s DIRECTIONS
• Passive House & BREEAM Excellent Take the A4 out of Enniskillen in the
• Glulam beams & Structural Insulated Panels Belfast direction. As you leave Enniskillen
• Triple glazing & Rainwater harvesting you will pass a Tesco superstore on your
• 45kW robotic solar tracking system right hand side and and a service station
(Dolans), also on your right. About 200m
• Energy storage
after Dolans on your left hand side you will
• Air source heat pump & under-floor heating
pass the entrance to Castle Coole. Take
• Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery the first left turn immediately after Castle
• A range of other renewable energy Coole onto Lough Yoan Road. The Tech-
technologies on display nology and Skills Centre is approximately
50m up this road on the right hand side.
*Highlight: We will also be able to provide Drive onto the campus and follow the road
innovation advice to any people attending from around to the rear of the building where
businesses. This will include information on you will see the CREST Passive Pavilion
the R&D facilities available at CREST and in in front of you.
relation to possible funding mechanisms.
6 www.inspirationalhomes.ie
Gabriel Toolan Offices LMS07
Colin Bell Architect
These offices are built on the site of Gabriel’s family homes. Colin’s remit was to build an office
in the most ecological way possible and it was found that a concrete and steel structure was the
most energy efficient and sustainable way to build an office. A natural ventilation system is used
throughout the offices and helps to create a healthy working environment. A large atrium
dominates the reception and shows off the height of the build and a green car park, a court yard
and roof gardens make up the original footprint of the building.
OPEN Friday 28th August. Only one FREE tour of the office with Gabriel Toolan
and architect Colin Bell from 1pm to 2pm. Spaces limited.
Online booking recommended.
LOCATION Ballinamore High Street
(+54° 05 263 -7° 79 960). Easy
access. Parking on main street.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Researched best eco way to build an
office space
• Green areas to match the footprint of building
• Natural ventilation system
• Marmoleum (natural/linseed lino) flooring
• Heated with a wood pellet burner no oil &
passive heat from south-facing solar gain
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 7
INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTARY AT THE DOCK 'Through the Green-Door' interactive Documentary ‘Through the Green-Door’ interactive documentary is a collaboration between film- maker Róisin Loughrey and Green-Door manager Jo Lewis under the Harnessing Creativity programme 2014 - 15. We are delighted to be able to launch it at Green-Door 2015. Please feel free to have a look at it over the weekend at The Dock and the Leitrim Sculpture Centre. WHAT IS AN iDOC? An i-doc is an interactive documentary. It is a documentary film viewed on the web where the narrative unfolds depending on what YOU want to see. WHAT ‘Through the Green-Door’ is about... The idea of this interactive documentary is to try to make the Green-Door weekend experience available to a wider audience. Interviews with homeowners, architects and builders and footage of inside houses allows the viewer to hear a wide range of stories about sustainable building, living and renovating. HOW DO I USE IT? The viewer has a choice of homes to visit, all very different from each other and each with its own story to tell. You click on the house you want to see and listen to an interview with the homeowners. From there you have other options; to hear an interview with the architect or builder, to take a virtual wander round the house or to go back and select another story. WHAT IS IT FOR? ‘Through the Green-Door’ gives the viewer the opportunity to hear very real and personal stories from homeowners, architects and builders about building and renovation. The benefit of the interactive element is that it allows the viewers to easily access the information most relevant to their interest. www.throughthegreendoor.ie 9
PUBLIC DEBATE & LAUNCH - FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST Launch of Green-Door 2015 at The Dock, Carrick on Shannon Debate and break-out sessions with refreshments €10pp (inc refreshments). Online booking recommended www.inspirationalhomes.ie (click on events). Join us for an exciting evening of talks and a chance to engage with the speakers and each other, on the theme of rural living and building. We hope that the thoughts, ideas, concerns, and stimulation from this evening will form a significant critical backdrop to the 2015 festival of rural architecture and design. 7pm Reception 7.30pm Debate: Thinking and Doing in the Rural Rural areas are interesting not only in themselves but because they embody a culture that has become ignored in an increasingly urban-centric Europe. By definition they lie on the periphery and away from the seat of power and authority. For this reason, away from the ‘progressive, technological’ urban centre they hold a depository of knowledge and a memory of ways of acting in society from which we can learn today that hark back to a more instinctive, intuitive knowledge base. Just as it was in rural Siberia that Kropotkin formulated his ideas about mutual aid, it was in the Black Forest that Heidegger wondered about the act of dwelling, learning in part from the local vernacular traditions and on the Aran Islands that Synge collected the material which challenged bourgeois high culture by presenting it with a low but infinitely rich culture from the edge of Europe, we must use rurality as a source of inspiration for new ways of understanding or acting in the world. Indeed, in a world where much of the urban fabric is in effect created and governed by rural people (favelas, shanty towns, barrios) the subtle, ingenious and sensitive ways of the country which use a knowledge base owned in common by the people might be a way forward for society… …the countryside Is perhaps not something that has to be civilised or be bought up to the urban standard, rather it may be a place to learn from. 10 www.inspirationalhomes.ie
PUBLIC DEBATE - PANEL BIOGRAPHIES Inspirational Homes’ Green-Door Weekend celebrates this culture of building, design and conservation that happens in the homes across the County. This evening we discuss rurality, its ideas and practices. Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh will give a talk entitled “The 12 Aphorisms of Rurality”. There will follow two parallel sessions, one lead by Claire McManus and another by Javier Burón. This will be an opportunity for more in depth discussion. Chair: Nathalie Weadick | Keynote address: Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh | Panel: Claire McManus and Javier Burón 8.30pm Break-out sessions with refreshments 9.30pm Plenary Feedback from the groups and summary Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh: EPF SIA ESA Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture, Paris. Professor of architectural theory and prac- tice at the Western Switzerland University of applied sciences, Fribourg. Former head of its architectural educational and research programme and founding direction member of the Jointmaster of architecture, he has been guest professor at the EPF Lausanne, the Berlage Institute and Kentucky University and conducted an architectural firm in Geneva. His research group psychéarchitecture.net focuses on the link between architecture, territory and the construction of identity. Nathalie Weadick: Director of the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF). Whilst at the IAF she has developed the successful Open House Dublin initiative as well as establishing a national and international programme of events and exhibitions, including international talks programme New Now Next and We Built this City. In 2007 she returned from London where she held the position of Deputy Director at The Architecture Foundation, London. External to her work at the IAF she is Built Environ- ment Advisor for Irish Design 2015, where she is curating New Horizon - Architecture from Ireland with Raymund Ryan for the London Festival of Architecture, the Chicago Architecture Biennial and the Shenzhen/Hong Kong Biennale in 2015-2016. Javier Burón Lecturer at the School of Architecture, University of Limerick and director of Fab Lab Limerick. Invited lecturer at the DIT, Dublin; ETSA Alicante and Architectural Association in London. Javier moved to Ireland in 2007 and became part of the committee of the Architectural Association of Ireland. In 2008 he took part of The Lives of Spaces Ireland’s Participation at the 11th International Venice Architectural Biennale. He currently lives and works between Limerick and Córdoba (Spain) where he has founded Colaborativa.eu a design, technology and social action agency; their projects range from art installations to grassroots urbanism actions, mapping software applications and free culture advocacy. In 2012 Javier started building open source digital fabrication tools with a group of undergraduates. In 2014 Fab Lab Limerick was launched. Claire McManus is an architect and owner of Open Architects, an architectural practice based in Dublin and North Tipperary. She designed and project managed a house at the Eco Village in Cloughjordan and is currently working with architect Dominic Stevens and client Niall Martin on a self-build community project in Dublin. Claire was a Vice President of the RIAI in 2014 and is a member of RIAI Council 2015. In 2014 she curated an architecture season in the Irish Museum of Modern Art called ‘The Everyday Experience’. In 2010 she was Commissioner for the Irish exhibition at the 12th International Architecture Exhibition at Venice and in 2008 she was co-commissioner/curator of ‘The Lives of Spaces’ at Venice. Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh Nathalie Weadick Javier Burón Claire McManus www.inspirationalhomes.ie 11
THE DOCK SATURDAY - 29th AUGUST
ANNA MACLEOD
EXHIBITION
WATER CONVERSATIONS
A SURVEY OF WORKS, 2007-2015
WATER CONVERSATIONS is the umbrella term for an
ongoing series of works by Leitrim-based artist Anna
Macleod that addresses water through political, social
and cultural lenses. Macleod’s aim has been to build an
alternative, global commons map of this finite resource—
water—a substance that is at the core of life itself. Artic-
ulated as a series of actions, small sculptures, posters,
drawings, sound works, interdisciplinary collaborations,
public interventions and site specific works, WATER
CONVERSATIONS explores the complex interstices
between landscape and geopolitics, science and technology,
culture and tradition.
Exhibition runs from: July 4th to September 12th, 2015. Admission FREE.
Gallery opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am - 5.30pm & Saturday 10am - 5pm.
For more information visit www.thedock.ie or contact 071 9650828.
To compliment the exhibition, Green-Door is running a number of events around the theme
of water. Homes with rainwater harvesting are highlighted throughout the brochure. Also:
LUNCH TIME TALK Domestic & Farm Rainwater Harvesting with Owen Leonard: 1 - 2pm
GALLERY TALK with exhibiting artist Anna MacLeod: 2 - 3pm
*Sunday, at the Organic Centre, Ollan Herr will give a presentation - see page 33.
‘WATER MUSIC’ - CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP
Saturday 29th August, 1 - 2.30pm (6 - 12yrs)
This workshop will explore water and it’s potential in
sound and music making. Using water as an instrument
we will create and generate a wide range of different
sounds. These sounds will lead and direct us through
experimental drawing processes before they are
magically transformed into music once again. www.naomidraper.com
FREE but spaces are limited so booking is essential.
Book online www.inspirationalhomes.ie (click on the events page).THE DOCK BUS TOURS & AT HOME COURSE
Saturday 29th August Plea
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BUS TOURS DEPARTING FROM THE DOCK
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10am - 1.30pm ‘The Mud’ Tour
Travel out to see John Bent’s home (LMS11) where cob and lime expert Terry McGrogan will be on
hand to answer questions. Then on to Mike Masteron’s home (LMS16) to see his development of
a beautiful clay house. Expect stories, histories and cups of tea! Travel time 60 mins each way.
2.30 - 4.30pm ‘A Tour of Contrasts’
Travel to see Dominic Stevens’ € 25,000 home (LMS17) and then up the road to Gramayre
cottage (LMS22) a beautifully restored 1800’s stone cottage. Travel time 30 mins each way.
AT HOME COURSE WITH ROB AND MAIRÉAD
Saturday 29th August 10.30am - 1.30pm
Rob and Mairéad live off grid, harvest firewood, and grow
lots of food. They are involved in community groups whose
aims are promoting diversity, opening a greenway on a dis-
used railway, opposing fracking and developing community
energy. They are both yoga teachers, Mairéad is a Social
Worker and works promoting well-being and emotional
fitness. Rob is a Veterinarian. When not working they are off
cycle touring on a bright yellow tandem.
INSPIRING RESILIENCE
Looking up resilience in the Thesaurus throws up words like 'tough' 'buoyant' 'irrepressible’
‘springy and supple’.
In recent times the conversation around sustainability has started to explore the concept of
resilience and resilient communities; communities that are proactively developing values, skills,
knowledge and resources that will enrich community life for everyone in the future.
We invite you to our home to join in a conversation, sharing our experiences, to explore the
ways that people can develop resilience individually and in their communities. We will provide
and share lunch, prepared from our own garden and locally sourced produce. We will tell stories
of our adventures in building a natural house and harnessing the elements to power and heat it.
Limited to 12 places, early booking advised. Location: See LMN17 on page 36.
FREE but spaces are limited so online booking recommended.
www.inspirationalhomes.ie (click on the events page).PETER COWMAN - LIVING ARCHITECTURE Saturday 29th August - Community Hall, Leitrim Village 10am - 1pm THE ECO-BUILDING EXPERIENCE. FREE Drop in anytime Eco-building is a dizzying experience from beginning to end - engagement with nature, with community, with bureaucracy, with lenders, with builders, with friends and with family is oftentimes fraught with difficulties. Why is this experience so challenging, stressful, expensive and, oftentimes, unsatisfactory? Utilising a combination of photos, films, drawings, models and his own wide experience of design and construction, Peter invites you to engage with him in exploring how, why and where within the design+construction process these challenges arise and to join with him in formulating practical answers to the many questions raised. Drop-in anytime and get involved. Also on Saturday morning volunteers are needed to build eco-shelters; to print money; build roads; and set up infrastructure for the afternoon INSTANT ECO-VILLAGE event. Materials supplied and instruction given! 1 - 2pm COMMUNITY LUNCH - Bring some food to share. 2.30 - 5pm A SHELTERMAKER THEATRE PRESENTATION. FREE limited spaces - booking recommended. Book online www.inspirationalhomes.ie INSTANT ECO-VILLAGE - add people and stir gently! In this event participants will have the opportunity of being part of a vibrant eco-sensitive community complete with eco-shelters, eco-shops, eco-businesses; eco-money and eco- consciousness - while having lots of eco-fun! Come and build that mortgage-free dream house or, open that perfect vegetarian cafe/art gallery/hangout place that you have long imagined or, plant and grow enough veggies for half the county or, set-up an alternative business in your backyard or, plant a forest or, offer alternative health therapies or open an eco-school - whatever your dream is make it happen in Instant Eco-Village! Further details at sheltermaker.com Participants in this event should plan to get to the venue on time and stay for the duration. *Samples of Peter’s work can be seen at LMN28 and SL06 on Sunday 30th August. 14 www.inspirationalhomes.ie
FAB LAB MANORHAMILTON - WORKSHOP & DEMO During Green-Door 2015, FABLAB Manorhamilton invites you to gain an insight into digital fabrication technologies including 3D Printing, Laser and Vinyl Cutting, Open Source Electronics plus the design services that we offer. WORKSHOP Saturday 29th August, 2 - 5pm. Cost €10pp (suitable for adults and 16+ yrs). Limited spaces. Online booking recommended. NATURE’S DESIGN - A Dome Building Workshop A hands on workshop inspired by legendary architect Buckminster Fuller and his Geodesic Domes. "What do a spiders web, soap bubbles and a turtle’s shell all have in common? They all contain geodesic geometries." As part of Green-Door 2015, FABLAB Manorhamilton will host Javier Burón, Director of Fab Lab Limerick and senior lecturer at the School of Architecture University Limerick and founder of Colaborativa.eu a design, technology and social action agency. In this workshop Javier will take you through the history and science behind these beautifully simple structures and all participants will get hands on experience in building a dome. We want anybody to be able to build strong, affordable and locally made geodesic buildings and this workshop will give you the knowledge and resources to start designing your own. www.domenico.cc desktop dome kits will be available to purchase. DEMONSTRATIONS Sunday 30th August, 12 - 4.30pm. FREE Visitors can see four short demonstrations of each of the technologies and learn more about their practical applications and projects in which they can be used. 12.30 - 1pm 3D Printing 2.30 - 3pm Vinyl Cutting 1.30 - 2pm Laser Cutting 3.30 - 4pm Open Source Electronics FABLAB Manorhamilton are located inside Merenda, ManorHUB, Park Road, Manorhamilton. Contact 087 628 6808 or email info@fablabmh.org www.fablabmh.org www.inspirationalhomes.ie 15
FILM NIGHT - MANORHAMILTON
The Glens Centre - Saturday 29th August 8pm €5pp
CITIZEN ARCHITECT (90 mins)
Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio is a documentary film
on the late architect Samuel Mockbee and the radical educational
design/build program known as the Rural Studio.
Followed by an open floor discussion led by architect Féile Bulter ‘Mud and Wood’
The bar will be open for drinks, tea and coffee from 7.30pm.
Online booking recommended www.inspirationalhomes.ie (click on the events page).
In 1993 the late architect and MacArthur Genius Samuel Mockbee started the Rural Studio,
a design/build education program, in which students create striking architecture for impoverished
communities in rural Alabama. Guided by frank, passionate interviews with Mockbee, Citizen
Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio shows how a group of students
use their creativity, ingenuity and compassion to craft a home for their charismatic client,
Jimmie Lee Matthews, known to locals as Music Man because of his zeal for old R&B and
Soul records. The film reveals that the Rural Studio is about more than architecture and building.
Mockbee's program provides students with an experience that forever inspires them to
consider how they can use their skills to better their communities. Interviews with Mockbee’s
peers and scenes with those he’s influenced infuse the film with a larger discussion of
architecture’s role in issues of poverty, class, race, education, social change and citizenship.
*GURN’S PUB are offering a pre-film *Note: Prior to the film is the Architect’s
meal plus glass of wine or dessert for Tour of LMN07 from 5.30 - 6.30pm (see
€15pp from 6 - 7.30pm. page 17). Booking recommended. FREEManorhamilton North Western Health Board LMN07
Eamon McCarney - Taylor Architects Architect
We are delighted this year that Eamon McCarney from Taylor architects, winners of this year’s
RIAI “PUBLIC CHOICE” AWARD and “SUSTAINABLE” AWARD for their NUIG Engineering
Building will be giving a talk here about ‘Sustainabilty in Public Buildings’. He will also give
two tours of this NWHB office; a modern building with a striking design that looks out over
Manorhamilton and the surrounding area. An amazing contrast of history and modernity,
with the old fever hospital still standing on the site. This is a unique opportunity to view the
building from inside out; spectacular views from the conference room.
OPEN Saturday 29th August. Only one FREE tour with architect Eamon McCarney
from 5.30 - 6.30pm. Online
booking recommended.
(Film Night afterwards at the
Glens Centre at 8pm)
LOCATION Enniskillen Rd, Manorhamilton.
(+54° 30 382 -8° 16 691)
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 17LEITRIM SCULPTURE CENTRE Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm Exhibition: ANNA MACLEOD Anna Macleod is a visual artist based in Leitrim. Her work embraces questions about land, resources and the different sets of value placed on natural resources. Macleod’s recent projects explore the complexities of water through political, cultural and social lenses. In July and August, Anna will be an artist in residence at the Leitrim Sculpture centre where she will explore the water memories of local people whose families have lived and farmed the land around North Leitrim for generations. Working with a local historian the project will use archive material to remember and rediscover hidden waterways and cultural uses for water, well sites and pathways through altered landscapes. Anna Macleod has participated in numerous international events and residencies most recently at The Banff Centre, Canada 2015, Bundanon Trust, Australia 2014, Joya: Arte & Ecologia, Spain & Broken Hill Artist Exchange, Australia (2015). www.annamacleod.com POP-UP CAFÉ at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre Tea, coffee, cakes and cookies on sale all day. Drop in for a break and take in the exhibition. Artist Anna Macleod will be there all day to give tours and chat about her work. Café open until the closing gathering of Green- Door 2015 at 5.30-6.30pm. *Have some refreshments while your children are at the workshop. ‘WATER MUSIC’ - CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP Sunday 30th August, 2 - 3.30pm (6 - 12yrs) This workshop will explore water and it’s potential in sound and music making. Using water as an instrument we will create and generate a wide range of different sounds. These sounds will lead and direct us through experimental drawing processes before they are magically transformed into music once again. www.naomidraper.com FREE but spaces are limited so booking is essential. Book online www.inspirationalhomes.ie (click on the events page).
DROMAHAIR - BUS & CYCLING TOURS
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Sunday 30 August
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BUS TOUR DEPARTING FROM DROMAHAIR
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(STANFORD’S INN) - €5 ONLINE BOOKING RECOMMENDED
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10.30am - 2pm The Sligo Way - A chance to see three homes new to Green-Door on the
Sligo borders – Rebecca and Paul (SL04), the Gyreum (SL06) and Christ and Martha (SL07).
2.30 - 5pm The Bohey Way: Two homes on Bohey Mountain: Rob and Mairéad (LMN17)
and Charlie Easterfield (LMN16)
CYCLE TOURS OF HOMES AROUND DROMAHAIR LED BY ARCHITECT COLIN BELL
FREE HOWEVER PLACES ARE LIMITED - ONLINE BOOKING RECOMMENDED.
Enjoy the Leitrim Landscape by visiting some of the homes by bicycle. A gentle-paced
tour with only a few hills!
10.30am - 2pm TOUR 1 Meet at Stanfords’ pub in Dromahair.
A beautiful cycle out along Lough Gill then a climb up towards Lough Doon to see Niamh
MacCabe’s ‘Butterfly House’ (LMN35), then back towards Dromahair to see and Grace
and Joe (LMN20) outside only. Note: only 30mins allowed for at each house.
Total distance approx. 18km. Back to Stanfords’ for 2pm. Lunch is available here.
2.30 - 5pm TOUR 2 Meet at Stanfords’ pub in Dromahair.
A gentle loop around homes in the Dromahair area. Cycle out to visit: Jo and Mike (LMN29);
Johnny Gogan’s Studio ( LMN28) and Frank Clinton (LMN30). Note: only 30mins allowed
for at each house. Total distance approx. 10km. Back approx 5pm.
The Green-Door weekend is about sharing infor-
mation and exchanging ideas in order to help each
other in our decisions on how to build and live with the
environment and future in mind. It is not about show-
ing off luxury homes. These are all real homes with all
their quirks, mistakes and foibles visible! However, we
are all grateful to have these homes and to be able to
share them with you for one day. We are all also very
aware that there is a housing crisis in Ireland and that
it is only set to worsen. Living in the countryside we
often think of this as an urban problem however there
are many homeless people in the North West of
Ireland and the North West Simon Community is doing all it can to house people. For this reason we in-
vited them to become our charity partner for 2015.
Because we have received grant aid, and because of the generosity of the home owners, we are able to
offer the visits to the homes for free – in return for this - this year there will be collection buckets for North
West Simon at each home. We would ask you to give generously. www.northwestsimon.ie
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 19Mary and Frank LMS05
This home been in Frank’s family for 6 generations. All the work was done through the Lá Nua
project whose criteria were that the methods and materials employed should be faithful to the
original combined with new eco-technologies where possible. Thus they have lime and stone
work combined with rubber slates. Frank remembers summers spent in this home of his
grandparents and how many children would be bedded down in the three small rooms. Now
the three bedrooms and ensuite facilities sleep 6 comfortably; highlighting the changing times
in the history of Irish homes.
OPEN Saturday 29th August 11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Aghacashel, 30 mins from
Carrick-on-Shannon.
(+54° 06 319 -7° 91 637)
Access down a good but small
lane, 1km off the main road.
Parking outside the house.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Hemp and lime render included sand
and clay from the surrounding land
• Lamb’s wool insulation
• Recycled rubber slates
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 21LMS06 Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries & Food Offices
Architect Sean Moylan
A unique opportunity to see inside this very modern office and hear the architect talk about
his remit for the build and his aims and inspirations for the design. The two wooden-clad rec-
tangular boxes have an imposing presence and are unexpected on such a small rural road.
Never visible in its entirety it is hard to know the scale of the building or to know of its inter-
nal courtyards. Open-plan airy interior spaces with polished concrete and timber finishes give
a cool and clean feel. Large windows and, as one reviewer put it: ‘this window feels like an
enormous artist’s canvas portraying to the workforce why they come to work every day - to
be part of the productive landscape for which they have an administrative responsibility’!
OPEN Saturday 29th August.
Only one FREE tour
from 3 - 4pm. Online
booking recommended.
LOCATION Aughacashel Rd, Drumshanbo
(+54° 048270 -8° 038774)
Easy access with lots of parking.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Passive energy strategy
• Concrete and ecocem GGBS
(by-product of steel industry)
22 www.inspirationalhomes.ieJohn Bent LMS11
Deirdre Meagher Architect
A renovated 18th century stone & mud cottage with a thatch roof and a very modern timber-
clad extension to the rear. Designed by conservation architect Deirdre, the old cottage has
been faithfully restored using traditional building methods and materials (no cement used
anywhere in the old cottage) and connects at the back by a corridor to the new eco-friendly
extension. A very clever fusion of old and new in look and feel. Previous owners Yvonne and
Eoin did a lot of the work themselves. The cottage was sold recently to John Bent who is
happy to open his new home for Green-Door.
OPEN Saturday 29th August 11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Cooldrumman Beg, Foxfield.
30 mins from
Carrick-on-Shannon.
(+54° 01 205 -7° 88 123)
Access along a long lane.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Conservation of old building
• Use of lime,hemp and thatch
• Local materials and labour
• All organic paints
*Highlight: Lime & cob expert Terry McGrogan
will be on hand to answer questions.
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 23LMS16 Mike and Bernadette
Mike bought this land with a number of buildings on it: a 1970’s bungalow, stone buildings from
1900’s and 1930’s and the ruins of a 1700’s clay house. With the aim of restoring a historical
site for modern day use. An original Clachan - (collection of houses) he knows that this was once
a thriving economic centre for the area. As a builder he is gradually renovating them all using
traditional building materials and methods. One stone building is now used as artists’ studios and
accommodation; another is a small museum and occasional session venue. He has now
finished the clay house which was thatched by Orla O'Neill. Mike has a passion for history and
traditional materials used. He brings the use of these materials back to life through use and
demonstration and will be on hand to talk about all the renovations and the new clay house.
OPEN Saturday 29th August
11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Moyne, 25 mins from
Carrick-on Shannon.
(+53° 919701 -7° 643995)
Easy access and lots of parking.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Conservation of old building
• Use of all local materials
*Highlight: Mike is a great storyteller - prepared
to be entertained - tea and coffee included!
24 www.inspirationalhomes.ieDominic Stevens LMS17
Dominic Stevens Architect
Photos by Ros Kavanagh
New self-build. AAI 2011 Award winning ‘house’. The architect’s own home; self- designed and
self-built this is a project for Dominic whose concerns are the economics of sustainability and
rural living. Built for just €25,000, with the help of friends, neighbours and family. A clever use
of alternative materials has kept costs down. Dominic says: “To pay back some of the social
debt, I have made the plans and building instructions available for free on an interactive web-
site so that this knowledge may, as was the case in the vernacular tradition, be held in common”
www.irishvernacular.com. A unique opportunity to meet the architect and see his own home.
OPEN Saturday 29th August 11am - 4pm. Tours on the hour - please arrive a
few minutes before the hour.
No booking.
LOCATION Cloone, 30 mins from
Carrick-on-Shannon.
(+53° 94 325 -7° 82 140)
Good access. Limited parking
outside the house. Follow signs.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Low cost - possible no-mortgage build
• Use of innovative and recycled materials
• Well insulated
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 25LMS20 Lough Allen Adventure Centre - Kevin Currid
A timber-frame building designed and built by Kevin Currid. The centre originally started
20 years ago with a trailer, then a hut, then a bigger hut and now this purpose built building.
A large open-plan ‘cathedral-like’ space gives the centre its reception, meeting and socialising
space. Huge beams form the main structure which is cedar-clad. Flanked by a stream and
overlooking Lough Allen, this is a beautiful spot from which to start an adventure. Visit
www.loughallenadventurecentre.ie for more information.
OPEN Saturday 29th August 11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Ballinaglera, 20 mins from
Carrick-on Shannon.
(+54° 13 015 -8° 01 753)
Access off main road. Parking
limited at centre. Parking at
lakeside 500m down –
follow signs.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Kevin can walk to work
• Local materials
• Well insulated - cellulose
• Wood pellet burner and solar panels
26 www.inspirationalhomes.ieAedin and Liam LMS21
Liam Breslin and Aedín McLoughlin came to Leitrim and built their house in 1999 near Slieve
an Iarainn overlooking Lough Allen. Their house from the outside looks similar to most Irish
cottages but inside the sitting room has a 15 foot ceiling and circular walls. Local water was
contaminated and had high iron content. The solution chosen was rain-water harvesting.
Water from the roof is collected in a 25,000 litre concrete tank, filtered and treated with UV
before being pumped into the house. We employ water-saving devices – double controls for
toilets, gravity-fed showers and a waterbutt (collecting water from a shed) for gardening.
We reckon we can go for 14 weeks without danger of running out (unlikely for Leitrim)!
OPEN Saturday 29th August
10am - 4pm. DIRECTIONS
From North Leitrim, take N16 past Glen-
LOCATION Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim. farne towards Enniskillen, turn right at
30 mins from Dromahair. signpost for Dowra/Drumshanbo. Ballina-
(+54.156311, -8.015477) glera is 3 miles south beyond Dowra. Our
house is on the 1st RHS lane past Rynn’s
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s pub in Ballinaglera, 2nd house on the left.
From South Leitrim, take N208 from
• Timber frame Carrick-on-Shannon to Drumshanbo. From
• Underfloor heating Drumshanbo take the Dowra Road (be
• Solid fuel stove which unfortunately does careful, easy to miss the turn, Lough Allen
not heat water will be on your left). Ballinaglera is 8 miles
on, at the speed limit signs before the village
• Sunroom that gives passive solar turn left, we are the 2nd house on the left.
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 27LMS22 John and Kerry-Lynn
Gramarye Cottage: An early 19th century stone cottage once part of a collection of buildings
including a Corn Mill and Kiln. Set on 2.5 acres with riparian garden and woodland. Since
acquiring it in 2008 the owners have sympathetically renovated it using Lime render and
Limecrete flooring along with sheep’s wool and wood fibre insulation. For more information
visit www.rivercottage.ie.
OPEN Saturday 29th August
2pm - 6pm.
LOCATION 10 mins from Fenagh
(53° 98 410’ - 7° 81 749’)
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Conservation of old buildings DIRECTIONS
• Local materials and Labour From Ballinamore follow R202 south
• Hemp and Lime render west for 5km to Fenagh. Turn left at
• Limecrete flooring Quinn’s pub and follow road for 400m.
Take first right on road with Tour de
• Sheep’s wool and wood fibre insulation
Humbert sign and continue for 2.4km.
• Wood burning stove At cross roads continue straight through
• Upcycled and green wood furniture going uphill and downhill for 1km. Cottage
• Wildlife garden & woodland habitat is just after bridge at bottom of hill.
28 www.inspirationalhomes.ieLMN01 Ciara and Gareth
This home has developed over the years since the first Green-Door in 2011. Whilst still a
'home in progress' it is also very much a home to Ciara, Gareth and their new baby. A timber-
framed cob house being lovingly built by organic gardener Ciara Barrett and Physical Therapist
Gareth Phelan. South facing windows and a central wood-burner, coupled with sheep’s wool
insulation make this a cosy retreat.
OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm. Tours: 12, 2pm and 4pm.
LOCATION Creevykeel, Cliffoney. 20 mins from Sligo.
((+54° 43 0 559 -8° 45 432)
Parking at the house next door.
Follow signs.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Self-build
• Solar gain design
• Mortgage free
• Local materials
• Natural materials
• Sheep’s wool insulation
• Compost toilet
• Solar panels
• Rain water collection
30 www.inspirationalhomes.ieMilkwood Farm - Klaus and Joanna LMN04
Joanna and Klaus built the house 10 years ago on a rushy, poorly drained site. Their green-
house came shortly afterwards; they also have a wonderful organic vegetable garden where
they grow most of their food.The front porch was made by two journeymen from Germany.
Their garden is drained into a man-made pond which attracts great crested newts and lots of
frogs and provides a lovely swimming pool for the geese. Recently they have replaced their
lawnmower with three pet sheep. They host vegetable growing courses throughout the year
and run an online seed business www.greenvegetableseeds.com
OPEN Sunday 30th August
11am - 4pm including tours DIRECTIONS
of the garden Continue through Sligo in the direction of
Donegal Town. You will pass through
LOCATION Tawley, 20 mins from Sligo. Grange and then a small village called
(+54° 43 096 -8° 37 518) Cliffoney. 4kms past Cliffoney there is a
Acces via small lane that leads small crossroads, please take the right
to ample parking at the house. turn onto road L7108. Continue on this
road until you reach the end 2.5km
(you'll go straight through another small
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s crossroads and over a bridge). When
you reach the end of the road turn left
Growing your own food is the cornerstone and then immediately right at the yellow
to sustainability and this is what this family cottage. Continue on for almost 1km and
does best. They work together on the take your first left turn up a small road.
garden and son Julian breeds rare chickens We are the 2nd house on the left!
and sells free-range eggs.
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 31LMN05 The Organic Centre
Architect Colin Bell
Talk 1 - 2pm FREE. Ollan Herr from Reed Beds Ireland will be giving a lunchtime talk here
on ‘Natural Waste Water Treatment Systems’ . This is a great opportunity to get some expert
information, to see the set up at The Organic Centre and to have your questions answered.
A topic now affecting everyone - get informed now! Also a chance to visit the centre and see
the green-building. www.theorganiccentre.ie
OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Rossinver, 15 mins from Manorhamilton. (+54° 39 249 -8° 11 930).
Easy access and ample parking.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Timber-framed structure & grass roof
• Local materials
• Extensive organic vegetable gardens
• Polytunnels & Orchard
• Flower beds for diversity
• Reed bed system
*GRASS ROOF CAFÉ OPEN ALL DAY
32 www.inspirationalhomes.ieSíle Mills LMN11
Beautifully restored country house with a modern extension. Fabulous gardens: cottage
garden, vegetable garden wildlife pond, green-house, woodlands. Designed and project
managed by Síle, this renovation and extension is artistic as well as faithful to local materials
and traditional craftsmenship. See www.blueberrycottages.com for more details.
OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Hill House, Monesk, Blacklion, 20 mins from Manorhamilton.
(+54° 26 692 -7° 96 251). Easy access and ample parking.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Local materials
• Lime render
• Solar panels
• Wood fired heating
• Productive gardens
• Wildlife habitat
• Passive solar gain through
glazed extension
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 33LMN15 The Old School House - Mike McCann
An old school house given a new lease of life and renovated into a four star self-catering
accommodation with the EU flower. Mike’s aims were to preserve the old building and to fuse
a modern interior with the old exterior. He undertook on the work himself and saw it as a
challenge to see how ‘green’ he could make the building. A sunny extension make makes the
building light, warm and spacious. www.theoldschoolhousecavan.com
OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Meenaslieve, Dowra. Off the Dowra to Blacklion Road.
20 mins from Manorhamilton.
(+54° 21 662 -7° 98 096)
Easy access & lots of parking.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Solar panels
• High levels of insulation
• Wood pellet boiler
• Rainwater harvesting is used for the
toilet flushing
• Reed bed
• EU Eco label
34 www.inspirationalhomes.ieCharlie Easterfield LMN16
Colin Bell Architect
Build entirely project managed by Charlie herself. Timber framed house on stilts. Home designed
to fit the needs of the artist home-owner. Open-plan and filled with light. Large open space,
highly insulated and easily heated by a central wood-burner. The decking provides keen
gardener Charlie space to grow plants close to the shelter of the home, and a viewing point
for the rest of the garden which includes amazing borders, a pond, trees and polytunnel.
OPEN Sunday 30th August
11am - 5pm.
LOCATION Albert’s Lane, 10 mins
from Dromahair.
(+54° 26 382 -8° 23 219)
Access up a long single track
lane. Parking limited. Park on
the road and walk up - 10mins
or follow signs.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Timber build
• Wood burning heating
• Productive garden
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 35LMN17 Rob and Mairéad
Traditional stone cottage renovated and extended using local materials and skills. Lime screed
floors and lime rendered walls inside and out. Beautiful creative spaces throughout, joinery by
journeymen/women from Germany giving high quality craftsmanship and level of finish.
Living off grid was one of their main aims for living here, all their power needs are met by
wind and hydro power. Productive gardens and polytunnel.
OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm
Tours of house, alternative
energy systems and garden
on the hour, last tour at 4pm.
LOCATION Bohey, 10 mins from Dromahair.
(+54° 26 978 -8° 24 498)
Access up a narrow lane.
Some parking – follow signs.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Renovation rather than new-build
• Use of lime and hemp
• Hydro scheme from stream & wind turbine
• Polytunnel & vegetable garden
• Compost toilet in garden
• Use of wood for all heating needs
*Rob and Mairéad are also offering an 'At Home' course on Saturday 29th August 11am - 2pm.
See page 13 for full details.Burkhard Herrmann LMN19
Colin Bell Architect
Self-built, this timber-framed single storey house was built as per the ‘Walter Segal methods
of building for the self-builder’; as they saw these ideas as being ecologically sound. The orientation
of the house was crucial and was positioned to ensure the best light in the rooms. A conservatory
provides a wonderful light living space. Andrea is a therapist for sports massage and reflexology,
they have built a timber-framed therapy-room in their garden for her work.
OPEN Saturday 29th August 11am - 5pm.
Tours at 11am, 2 pm and 4pm sharp please.
LOCATION Shriff, 5 mins from Dromahair.
(+54.251562 -8°.316007) DIRECTIONS
Easy access, off small road. From Sligo take the R286 to Parke's
Parking at the house. Castle, continue on for 1.5 km, take right
turn signposted Manorhamilton/Newton-
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s manor Church (lake jetty on your right)
From Dromahair take the lake road
• Low impact on surrounds through stilt and
R288 for about 2km towards Sligo
single pad foundations
and Parke’s Castle, take right turn
• Passive solar heating through orientation signed Manorhamilton/Newtonmanor
of the house, conservatory and southfacing church (R286)
rooflights into the kitchen For both directions follow the R286 for
• Solar panel 300m up a steep hill, house at 2nd
• Hunterstove feeding 10 radiators entrance on the right, sign: TIMBER-
• Woodburner in Bathroom to heat bath water FRAMEWORKS
• Greenhouse and Polytunnel
www.inspirationalhomes.ie 37LMN20 Grace & Joe - The Mimetic House
Architect Dominic Stevens
Grace and Joe are both artists of international standing who were living and working in Dublin.
When they decided to build in Grace’s family’s home county, they contacted the architect Dominic
Stevens. They asked him for an ‘unashamedly modern house’ and the first design that he came
up with they loved; Dominic had taken on board one of Grace’s pieces of work about clouds and
that is certainly reflected in the design through its constantly changing appearance, as it reflects
the ever-changing sky and landscape around it. The result is a home that they love and suits them.
OPEN Sunday 30th August. Note: Unfortunately this house cannot be viewed
inside. However, architect Dominic Stevens will be on hand to give tours.
Tours: 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.
LOCATION Shriff, 5 mins from Dromahair.
(+54° 243989 -8° 30 1287)
Park on road and walk down
lane to the house.
S u st a i n a bl e Fe at u re s
• Use of recycled materials (tyres)
• Use of materials that were manufactured
originally for something different, he
would use them in a non-standard way
• The low/no mortgage can be considered
an eco-element in design
38 www.inspirationalhomes.ieYou can also read
