House at Lough Beg, Contemporary Northern Irish Property, Modern Residence, McGonigle McGrath Building Photos
House at Lough Beg, mid Ulster
15 July 2022
House at Lough Beg is one of the UK’s best new homes
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the longlist for the 2022 RIBA House of the Year. The shortlist and winner are to be revealed on Channel 4’s Grand Designs: House of the Year.
RIBA House of the Year 2022 Winners
23 June 2022
Location: Ballyscullion Park, north of Lough Neagh, mid Ulster, Northern Ireland
Design: McGonigle McGrath Architects
House Ballyscullion
Photos by Aidan McGrath
House at Lough Beg Award News
Jury Report
House Ballyscullion is located within the part walled demesne of Ballyscullion Park, on the shores of Lough Beg in mid Ulster. The park was established in the late 18th Century for a dwelling which was never completed, a later house by Lanyon in the 1840s now commands the demesne, overlooking the lough, with distant views beyond.
The client for this project bought 100 acres of listed parkland and set about commissioning a house. The process has taken ten years to complete, five years of which was dedicated to the meticulous self-build.
The clients did not want a conspicuous house and the architect has delivered. This home is deferential to the big house of the demesne and to its natural surroundings. It takes the form of the agricultural out-buildings and for a relatively large home it nestles effortlessly into the landscape. Hand made bricks in hues of grey and the zinc roof help the dwelling harmonise with the dark trees beyond.
The absence of formal manicured gardens gives the sense of the house embracing the parkland, almost being enveloped by it. The relationship works both ways. Inside, at every turn, there is a sense of connection to the outdoors – a glimpse here, a framed view there, a waving branch overhead. Simultaneously there is a robustness and permanence to this house.
The house has generous circulation which is filled with light. What could be viewed as a little austere from the outside has a wonderful warmth on the inside. The building is beautifully detailed. The main reception room has a low long window. This is the sitting room and it is not until you sit down that you get the benefit of the fantastic view.
The building’s impact on the environment is offset with the planting of 6000 indigenous trees to both restock the existing woodland and to establish a new woodland.
The client’s commitment to this project has produced a very high quality piece of domestic architecture for a low construction cost.
It is a fitting home for a custodian of the land.
House at Lough Beg – Building Information
Title: House at Lough Beg
RIBA region: Northern Ireland
Architect practice: McGonigle McGrath
Date of completion: Jan 2020
Date of occupation: Jan 2020
Client company name: Private Client
Project city/town: Bellaghy
Contract value: Confidential
Gross internal area: 562.00 m²
Net internal area: 525.00 m²
Cost per m²: Confidential
Consultants
Structural Engineers: Design ID
Landscape Concept: Henry Shaw
Awards:
• RSUA Design Award
• RSUA Client of the Year
• RSUA House of the Year
• Regional Award Short List
Photos: Aidan McGrath
House at Lough Beg images / information received from the The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Location: Ballyscullion Park, Lough Beg, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Irish Architecture
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photo : Aidan Monaghan
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photo © Emma Stewart and 2020 Architecture
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RSUA Design Awards 2022 Northern Ireland
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photograph © Chris Hill Photography
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Queen’s Parade in Bangor Redevelopment
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image © FaulknerBrowns Architects
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Comments / photos for the House at Lough Beg design by McGonigle McGrath Architects page welcome