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

House at Lough Beg, Northern Ireland

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.

House at Lough Beg, Northern Ireland House at Lough Beg, Northern Ireland

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, Northern Ireland House at Lough Beg, Northern Ireland

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 designs

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

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Comments / photos for the House at Lough Beg design by McGonigle McGrath Architects page welcome