Green Door Weekend Brochure 2015

GREEN-DOORWEEKEND28th -30th AUGUST 2015

www.inspirationalhomes.ie

HOW IT WORKS

Homes and buildings are open for the timesstated and you are welcome to visit when-ever it suits you during those times. Pleasedo NOT arrive earlier than the openingtime as homeowners will be busy gettingready for their day ahead. If the houseyou visit is busy, you will be asked to waituntil some people have left.Booking: All architect tours, bus and cycletours and workshops must be pre-booked onour website (click on the events page). Otherevents can also be pre-booked online and,as places are often limited, it is advised to doso. See the Debate, the Film Night and theChildren’s Workshops. The weekend ismainly free although there is a small chargefor some events to cover the costs.

TTiippss ffoorr tthhee wweeeekkeenndd

TOP TIP - Please read this programmecarefully, check the dates, day & times ofthe events and plan your weekend ahead.

PLAN YOUR DAYS• First decide if there is a tour or workshopthat you would like to go on and book it.Then plan your day around it. Think aboutwhich other buildings that interest you are nearby.

• If you are not going on a tour - make upyour planned tour for the day.

• Don’t try to visit too many places. You needto allow plenty of time to get the most outof your visit.

• Most homes have 15 - 30 mins drive between them.

• Drive safely, country roads are narrow.Please park responsibly.

FINDING YOUR WAYThis is not always easy. Each home has direc-tions and the GPS coordinates. We also havesome signs up, however the budget does notallow for one at every corner. SO PLEASE DOCHECK OUT THE ONLINE MAPS beforehandand print them off if you think you will need them.www.inspirationalhomes.ie/green-door-map.html

Take this opportunity to have a guidedtour by the architect of a public building.Gabriel Toolan and Colin Bell will begiving a tour of the office (LMS07)on Friday 27th August from 1pm to 2pm. There will be a guided tour of the Agriculture and Fisheries Boardbuilding (LMS06) on Saturday 29th August at 3pm and Eamon McCarneywill be talking at the North WestHealth Board building (LMN07)Saturday 29th August at 5.30pm.

For your interest, this year we have includedthe icons below to highlight homes with rainwater harvesting, gardens of interest and artist studios. Full details ofeach property can be found on our websitewww.inspirationalhomes.ie

1www.inspirationalhomes.ie

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our third Green-Door weekend, staged and co-ordinated by InspirationalHomes. After the overwhelming response to the success of our previousfestivals of rural architecture and design, we are delighted to be able to run againthis year. The aim of the weekend is to stimulate and promote discussion amongstourselves, about sustainable living and building in the countryside. We are allacutely aware of our responsibility to the environment and all of these homeownersdemonstrate this through their choice of building materials, design, technologiesand ways of life. This is our chance to see for ourselves what works – and alsosometimes, 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 sustainablebuilding in Ireland and best of all, the owners are all willing to share their homes and theirexperiences with us. Green-Door weekend is an amazing opportunity to meet, chat and networkwith self-builders, architects and the owners and residents of these diverse and inspirational buildings.

We have a number of new homes and buildings this year, all very different to each other, and alloffering something unique and we have also expanded our area to include parts of Co. Sligo andCo. Fermanagh.

Also new are the workshops running on the Saturday for those of you who would like toexperience some more hands-on time.

We have a weekend programme packed with activities to compliment the open homes; thisincludes exhibitions, workshops, talks, a film night and children’s activities. Please note that: Withso 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 andinspirations 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

LMN30 FER01SL01

1pm TALK ‘Learning from The Organic Centre Building’ P.4by Colin Bell, The Organic Centre, Rossinver

2 www.inspirationalhomes.ie

GREEN-DOOR WEEKEND DIARY

Saturday 22nd 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

Thursday 27th August

11am - 3pm TOUR The Crest Centre, Enniskillen P.6

12.30-1.30pm TOUR Gabriel Toolan Office (LMS07) tour by P.7Gabriel Toolan and architect Colin Bell

7pm LAUNCH Reception and Launch of the weekend at P.10The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon

7.30-10pm DEBATE ‘Thinking and Doing in the Rural’ with a keynote P.10speech from Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh andcontributions from Claire MacManus and Javier Burón,Chaired by Nathalie Weadick

Friday 28th August

HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN SOUTH LEITRIM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC P.20-28with 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.9Loughrey, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon

10.30am-1.30pm WORKSHOP ‘At Home Course’ with Mairéad and Rob (LMN17) P.13

10am-1pm WORKSHOP The Eco-Building Experience, Leitrim Village P.14

1-2.30pm CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.12

Saturday 29th August

1-2pm TALK ‘Rainwater Harvesting’ The Dock P.12


11am-5pm EXHIBITION Anna Macleod, Leitrim Sculpture Centre P.18

11am-5pm EXHIBITION ‘Through the Green-Door’ iDoc by Róisín Loughrey, P.9Leitrim 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.4by 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.18beer gathering and thanks

2-5pm WORKSHOP FABLAB Manorhamilton P.15

2.30-5pm WORKSHOP Sheltermaker Theatre, Leitrim Village P.14

5.30-7pm TOUR Tour of LMN07 by Eamon McCarney P.17

8-10pm FILM NIGHT ‘Citizen Architect’ and Discussion afterwards, P.16The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton

Saturday 29th August (continued...)

HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN NORTH LEITRIM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC P.29-45with homeowners, architects and builders on-hand

Sunday 30th August

GREEN-DOOR WEEKEND DIARY

2.30-4.30pm TOUR Bus Tour from The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.13

3-4pm TOUR Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Building (LMS06) P.22

2-3pm TALK Artist’s Talk, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon P.12

11am TOUR BICYCLE & BUS TOURS, Dromahair P.19

HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN SLIGO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC P.46-53with homeowners, architects and builders on-hand

EVENTS AT THE ORGANIC CENTRE

Saturday 22nd August - 1pmLUNCHTIME 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 designand will discuss the changes that have been madeover the years. Looking back, Colin will also reflect onhow he would design the building today.

Sunday 30th August - 1pmLUNCHTIME 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 avoidthe dependence on mains water supply by capturing rain water. These systems require carefulplanning 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.

WEEKEND COURSES AT THE OCSaturday 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 howto turn it into a viable building material. Participants will learn the traditional technique forfoot-mixing cob (earth and straw). Then we will go on to build a cob pizza oven in thegarden of The Organic Centre. This is a very practical hands-on course taking placeoutdoors. 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 Americauntil the 1930's, when modern factory-built furniture took over. On this course you will learnall the skills necessary to construct your own chair and how to adapt the skills to otherfurniture projects.

Limited places available! Book online www.theorganiccentre.ie or call 071 985 4338.

www.inspirationalhomes.ie 5

Mike and Jo (LMN29) - Thursday 27th August 8.30pmWhat we will be doing...Will Woodrow will give an introduction to bats, their ecology, their use of buildings and whywe need to consider them and other wildlife in sustainable building projects. Weatherpermitting we hope to ‘see’ bats around Jo and Mike’s house using ultrasound bat detectors.

RationaleWe 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 importantfor them as their natural habitats become rarer and more under pressure from development andland 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 biodiversityshould be given a high importance in really sustainable building projects. Will intends to give anintroduction to some of the issues facing such wildlife, their importance and how you can takeaccount of them in your building projects or existing houses.Will Woodrow has been workingin the sustainability field for over 25 years. He is a licensed bat surveyor, which gives himpermission to handle these protected species in the course of undertaking surveys.

FREE. Limited spaces. Online booking recommended.

BATS, BIRDS & BUILDINGS

EXHIBITION BY LEITRIM PLANNING OFFICEThursday 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 suggestedsustainable siting and design of residentialdwellings in Co. Leitrim. From Traditional toContemporary, Renewable Energy and SmartTechnology, Landscaping and Setting.


CREST PASSIVE PAVILION (FER01)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Passive House & BREEAM Excellent • Glulam beams & Structural Insulated Panels• Triple glazing & Rainwater harvesting• 45kW robotic solar tracking system• Energy storage• Air source heat pump & under-floor heating• Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery• A range of other renewable energy

technologies on display

*Highlight: We will also be able to provide innovation advice to any people attending frombusinesses. This will include information on the R&D facilities available at CREST and in relation to possible funding mechanisms.

DIRECTIONSTake the A4 out of Enniskillen in theBelfast direction. As you leave Enniskillenyou will pass a Tesco superstore on yourright hand side and and a service station(Dolans), also on your right. About 200mafter Dolans on your left hand side you willpass the entrance to Castle Coole. Takethe first left turn immediately after CastleCoole onto Lough Yoan Road. The Tech-nology and Skills Centre is approximately50m up this road on the right hand side.Drive onto the campus and follow the roadaround to the rear of the building whereyou will see the CREST Passive Pavilionin front of you.

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 hasbeen designed to be Passive House Certified, BREEAM Excellent rated and carbon neutral. ThePavilion is used to host seminars, training, workshops and conferences, and to demonstrate thelatest 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)


Gabriel Toolan OfficesColin Bell

LMS07Architect

These offices are built on the site of Gabriel’s family homes. Colin’s remit was to build an officein the most ecological way possible and it was found that a concrete and steel structure was themost energy efficient and sustainable way to build an office. A natural ventilation system is usedthroughout 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 yardand 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• 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

'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 alook 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 thenarrative 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 andbuilders and footage of inside houses allows the viewer to hear a wide range of stories aboutsustainable 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 itsown story to tell. You click on the house you want to see and listen to an interview with thehomeowners. From there you have other options; to hear an interview with the architect orbuilder, 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 ofthe interactive element is that it allows the viewers to easily access the information most relevant to their interest.

INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTARY AT THE DOCK

9www.throughthegreendoor.ie

www.inspirationalhomes.ie10

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 eachother, 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 festivalof rural architecture and design.

7pm Reception

7.30pm Debate: Thinking and Doing in the RuralRural areas are interesting not only in themselves but because they embody a culture that hasbecome ignored in an increasingly urban-centric Europe. By definition they lie on the peripheryand 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 ofacting in society from which we can learn today that hark back to a more instinctive, intuitiveknowledge 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 butinfinitely rich culture from the edge of Europe, we must use rurality as a source of inspirationfor 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 usea 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 theurban standard, rather it may be a place to learn from.


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 andresearch programme and founding direction member of the Jointmaster of architecture, he has been guest professor at theEPF Lausanne, the Berlage Institute and Kentucky University and conducted an architectural firm in Geneva. His researchgroup 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 successfulOpen 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 sheheld 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 theLondon 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 lecturerat the DIT, Dublin; ETSA Alicante and Architectural Association in London. Javier moved to Ireland in 2007 and became partof the committee of the Architectural Association of Ireland. In 2008 he took part of The Lives of Spaces Ireland’s Participationat 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 startedbuilding 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 RIAIin 2014 and is a member of RIAI Council 2015. In 2014 she curated an architecture season in the Irish Museum of ModernArt 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.

PUBLIC DEBATE - PANEL BIOGRAPHIES

Inspirational Homes’ Green-Door Weekend celebrates this culture of building, design andconservation 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 Aphorismsof Rurality”. There will follow two parallel sessions, one lead by Claire McManus and anotherby 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 refreshments9.30pm Plenary Feedback from the groups and summary

Prof. Dr. Pieter Versteegh Nathalie Weadick Javier Burón Claire McManus

THE DOCK SATURDAY - 29th AUGUST

EXHIBITION ANNA MACLEODWATER CONVERSATIONSA SURVEY OF WORKS, 2007-2015WATER CONVERSATIONS is the umbrella term for anongoing series of works by Leitrim-based artist AnnaMacleod that addresses water through political, socialand cultural lenses. Macleod’s aim has been to build analternative, 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, WATERCONVERSATIONS 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 themeof water. Homes with rainwater harvesting are highlighted throughout the brochure. Also:

LUNCH TIME TALK Domestic & Farm Rainwater Harvesting with Owen Leonard: 1 - 2pmGALLERY 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 insound and music making. Using water as an instrumentwe will create and generate a wide range of differentsounds. These sounds will lead and direct us throughexperimental 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 AugustBUS TOURS DEPARTING FROM THE DOCK€5 ONLINE BOOKING RECOMMENDED

10am - 1.30pm ‘The Mud’ TourTravel out to see John Bent’s home (LMS11) where cob and lime expert Terry McGrogan will be onhand to answer questions. Then on to Mike Masteron’s home (LMS16) to see his development ofa 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 MAIRÉADSaturday 29th August 10.30am - 1.30pm

Rob and Mairéad live off grid, harvest firewood, and growlots of food. They are involved in community groups whoseaims are promoting diversity, opening a greenway on a dis-used railway, opposing fracking and developing communityenergy. They are both yoga teachers, Mairéad is a SocialWorker and works promoting well-being and emotional fitness. Rob is a Veterinarian. When not working they are offcycle touring on a bright yellow tandem.

INSPIRING RESILIENCELooking 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 theways that people can develop resilience individually and in their communities. We will provideand share lunch, prepared from our own garden and locally sourced produce. We will tell storiesof 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).

Please book all tours online


Please book all tours online



PETER COWMAN - LIVING ARCHITECTURE

14

1 - 2pm COMMUNITY LUNCH - Bring some food to share.

Saturday 29th August - Community Hall, Leitrim Village10am - 1pm THE ECO-BUILDING EXPERIENCE. FREE Drop in anytimeEco-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 andwhere within the design+construction process these challenges arise and to join with him informulating 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!

2.30 - 5pm A SHELTERMAKER THEATRE PRESENTATION. FREE limited spaces - booking recommended. Book online www.inspirationalhomes.ieINSTANT 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 houseor, open that perfect vegetarian cafe/art gallery/hangout place that you have long imaginedor, plant and grow enough veggies for half the county or, set-up an alternative business in yourbackyard or, plant a forest or, offer alternative health therapies or open an eco-school - whateveryour dream is make it happen in Instant Eco-Village! Further details at sheltermaker.comParticipants 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.


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 SourceElectronics plus the design services that we offer.

WORKSHOPSaturday 29th August, 2 - 5pm. Cost €10pp (suitable for adults and 16+ yrs). Limited spaces. Online booking recommended.

NATURE’S DESIGN - A Dome Building WorkshopA hands on workshop inspired by legendary architectBuckminster Fuller and his Geodesic Domes. "What doa spiders web, soap bubbles and a turtle’s shell all havein common? They all contain geodesic geometries."

As part of Green-Door 2015, FABLAB Manorhamilton will host Javier Burón, Director ofFab Lab Limerick and senior lecturer at the School of Architecture University Limerickand 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 beautifullysimple structures and all participants will get hands on experience in building a dome. Wewant anybody to be able to build strong, affordable and locally made geodesic buildingsand 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.

DEMONSTRATIONSSunday 30th August, 12 - 4.30pm. FREE

Visitors can see four short demonstrationsof each of the technologies and learn moreabout their practical applications and projects in which they can be used.

12.30 - 1pm 3D Printing1.30 - 2pm Laser Cutting

FABLAB Manorhamilton are located inside Merenda, ManorHUB, Park Road, Manorhamilton.Contact 087 628 6808 or email [email protected] www.fablabmh.org

2.30 - 3pm Vinyl Cutting3.30 - 4pm Open Source Electronics

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 filmon 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 impoverishedcommunities in rural Alabama. Guided by frank, passionate interviews with Mockbee, CitizenArchitect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio shows how a group of studentsuse 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 andSoul 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’speers 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-filmmeal plus glass of wine or dessert for€15pp from 6 - 7.30pm.

*Note: Prior to the film is the Architect’sTour of LMN07 from 5.30 - 6.30pm (seepage 17). Booking recommended. FREE


LMN07Architect

Manorhamilton North Western Health Board Eamon McCarney - Taylor Architects

We are delighted this year that Eamon McCarney from Taylor architects, winners of this year’sRIAI “PUBLIC CHOICE” AWARD and “SUSTAINABLE” AWARD for their NUIG EngineeringBuilding will be giving a talk here about ‘Sustainabilty in Public Buildings’. He will also givetwo tours of this NWHB office; a modern building with a striking design that looks out overManorhamilton 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 thebuilding from inside out; spectacular views from the conference room.

OPEN Saturday 29th August. Only one FREE tour with architect Eamon McCarneyfrom 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)

Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pmExhibition: ANNA MACLEODAnna Macleod is a visual artist based in Leitrim. Herwork embraces questions about land, resources and thedifferent sets of value placed on natural resources.Macleod’s recent projects explore the complexities ofwater through political, cultural and social lenses. In Julyand August, Anna will be an artist in residence at theLeitrim Sculpture centre where she will explore the watermemories of local people whose families have lived andfarmed the land around North Leitrim for generations.Working with a local historian the project will use archivematerial to remember and rediscover hidden waterwaysand cultural uses for water, well sites and pathwaysthrough 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 CentreTea, coffee, cakes and cookies on sale all day. Drop in for a break and take in the exhibition. Artist AnnaMacleod will be there all day to give tours and chat abouther work. Café open until the closing gathering of Green-Door 2015 at 5.30-6.30pm. *Have some refreshments while your children are atthe workshop.

LEITRIM SCULPTURE CENTRE

‘WATER MUSIC’ - CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP

Sunday 30th August, 2 - 3.30pm (6 - 12yrs)

This workshop will explore water and it’s potential insound and music making. Using water as an instrumentwe will create and generate a wide range of differentsounds. These sounds will lead and direct us throughexperimental 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).


CYCLE TOURS OF HOMES AROUND DROMAHAIR LED BY ARCHITECT COLIN BELLFREE HOWEVER PLACES ARE LIMITED - ONLINE BOOKING RECOMMENDED.Enjoy the Leitrim Landscape by visiting some of the homes by bicycle. A gentle-pacedtour 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 NiamhMacCabe’s ‘Butterfly House’ (LMN35), then back towards Dromahair to see and Graceand 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 allowedfor at each house. Total distance approx. 10km. Back approx 5pm.

DROMAHAIR - BUS & CYCLING TOURSPlease book all tours online


The Green-Door weekend is about sharing infor-mation and exchanging ideas in order to help eachother in our decisions on how to build and live with theenvironment and future in mind. It is not about show-ing off luxury homes. These are all real homes with alltheir quirks, mistakes and foibles visible! However, weare all grateful to have these homes and to be able toshare them with you for one day. We are all also veryaware that there is a housing crisis in Ireland and thatit is only set to worsen. Living in the countryside weoften think of this as an urban problem however thereare 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 tooffer the visits to the homes for free – in return for this - this year there will be collection buckets for NorthWest Simon at each home. We would ask you to give generously. www.northwestsimon.ie

Sunday 30th AugustBUS TOUR DEPARTING FROM DROMAHAIR (STANFORD’S INN) - €5 ONLINE BOOKING RECOMMENDED

10.30am - 2pm The Sligo Way - A chance to see three homes new to Green-Door on theSligo 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)


Mary and Frank LMS05

This home been in Frank’s family for 6 generations. All the work was done through the Lá Nuaproject whose criteria were that the methods and materials employed should be faithful to theoriginal combined with new eco-technologies where possible. Thus they have lime and stonework combined with rubber slates. Frank remembers summers spent in this home of hisgrandparents and how many children would be bedded down in the three small rooms. Nowthe three bedrooms and ensuite facilities sleep 6 comfortably; highlighting the changing timesin 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Hemp and lime render included sand

and clay from the surrounding land• Lamb’s wool insulation• Recycled rubber slates

A unique opportunity to see inside this very modern office and hear the architect talk abouthis 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 givea cool and clean feel. Large windows and, as one reviewer put it: ‘this window feels like anenormous artist’s canvas portraying to the workforce why they come to work every day - tobe 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Passive energy strategy• Concrete and ecocem GGBS

(by-product of steel industry)


Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries & Food OfficesSean Moylan

LMS06Architect

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 hasbeen faithfully restored using traditional building methods and materials (no cement usedanywhere in the old cottage) and connects at the back by a corridor to the new eco-friendlyextension. A very clever fusion of old and new in look and feel. Previous owners Yvonne andEoin did a lot of the work themselves. The cottage was sold recently to John Bent who ishappy to open his new home for Green-Door.


LOCATION Cooldrumman Beg, Foxfield.30 mins from Carrick-on-Shannon. (+54° 01 205 -7° 88 123)Access along a long lane.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Conservation of old building• Use of lime,hemp and thatch• Local materials and labour• All organic paints

*Highlight: Lime & cob expert Terry McGroganwill be on hand to answer questions.

John BentDeirdre Meagher

LMS11Architect



Mike bought this land with a number of buildings on it: a 1970’s bungalow, stone buildings from1900’s and 1930’s and the ruins of a 1700’s clay house. With the aim of restoring a historicalsite for modern day use. An original Clachan - (collection of houses) he knows that this was oncea thriving economic centre for the area. As a builder he is gradually renovating them all usingtraditional building materials and methods. One stone building is now used as artists’ studios andaccommodation; 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 andtraditional materials used. He brings the use of these materials back to life through use anddemonstration and will be on hand to talk about all the renovations and the new clay house.

OPEN Saturday 29th August11am - 5pm.

LOCATION Moyne, 25 mins from Carrick-on Shannon.(+53° 919701 -7° 643995)Easy access and lots of parking.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Conservation of old building• Use of all local materials

*Highlight: Mike is a great storyteller - preparedto be entertained - tea and coffee included!

Mike and BernadetteLMS16


Dominic StevensDominic Stevens

LMS17Architect

New self-build. AAI 2011 Award winning ‘house’. The architect’s own home; self- designed andself-built this is a project for Dominic whose concerns are the economics of sustainability andrural living. Built for just €25,000, with the help of friends, neighbours and family. A clever useof alternative materials has kept costs down. Dominic says: “To pay back some of the socialdebt, 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Low cost - possible no-mortgage build• Use of innovative and recycled materials• Well insulated

Photos by Ros Kavanagh

Lough Allen Adventure Centre - Kevin CurridLMS20

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Kevin can walk to work• Local materials• Well insulated - cellulose• Wood pellet burner and solar panels

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 socialisingspace. Huge beams form the main structure which is cedar-clad. Flanked by a stream andoverlooking Lough Allen, this is a beautiful spot from which to start an adventure. Visitwww.loughallenadventurecentre.ie for more information.


LOCATION Ballinaglera, 20 mins fromCarrick-on Shannon.(+54° 13 015 -8° 01 753)Access off main road. Parking limited at centre. Parking at lakeside 500m down –follow signs.


Aedin and Liam LMS21


SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Timber frame• Underfloor heating• Solid fuel stove which unfortunately does

not heat water• Sunroom that gives passive solar

Liam Breslin and Aedín McLoughlin came to Leitrim and built their house in 1999 near Slievean Iarainn overlooking Lough Allen. Their house from the outside looks similar to most Irishcottages but inside the sitting room has a 15 foot ceiling and circular walls. Local water wascontaminated 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 UVbefore being pumped into the house. We employ water-saving devices – double controls fortoilets, 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)!


LOCATION Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim.30 mins from Dromahair.(+54.156311, -8.015477)

DIRECTIONSFrom North Leitrim, take N16 past Glen-farne towards Enniskillen, turn right atsignpost for Dowra/Drumshanbo. Ballina-glera is 3 miles south beyond Dowra. Ourhouse is on the 1st RHS lane past Rynn’spub in Ballinaglera, 2nd house on the left.From South Leitrim, take N208 from Carrick-on-Shannon to Drumshanbo. FromDrumshanbo take the Dowra Road (becareful, easy to miss the turn, Lough Allenwill be on your left). Ballinaglera is 8 mileson, at the speed limit signs before the villageturn left, we are the 2nd house on the left.

LMS22 John and Kerry-Lynn

Gramarye Cottage: An early 19th century stone cottage once part of a collection of buildingsincluding 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 informationvisit www.rivercottage.ie.

OPEN Saturday 29th August2pm - 6pm.

LOCATION 10 mins from Fenagh(53° 98 410’ - 7° 81 749’)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Conservation of old buildings• Local materials and Labour• Hemp and Lime render• Limecrete flooring• Sheep’s wool and wood fibre insulation• Wood burning stove• Upcycled and green wood furniture• Wildlife garden & woodland habitat


DIRECTIONSFrom Ballinamore follow R202 southwest for 5km to Fenagh. Turn left atQuinn’s pub and follow road for 400m.Take first right on road with Tour deHumbert sign and continue for 2.4km. At cross roads continue straight throughgoing uphill and downhill for 1km. Cottageis just after bridge at bottom of hill.


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 TherapistGareth Phelan. South facing windows and a central wood-burner, coupled with sheep’s woolinsulation 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Self-build• Solar gain design• Mortgage free• Local materials• Natural materials• Sheep’s wool insulation• Compost toilet• Solar panels• Rain water collection

Ciara and GarethLMN01

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 wherethey 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 offrogs and provides a lovely swimming pool for the geese. Recently they have replaced theirlawnmower with three pet sheep. They host vegetable growing courses throughout the yearand run an online seed business www.greenvegetableseeds.com

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 4pm including tours of the garden

LOCATION Tawley, 20 mins from Sligo.(+54° 43 096 -8° 37 518)Acces via small lane that leads to ample parking at the house.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreessGrowing your own food is the cornerstoneto sustainability and this is what this familydoes best. They work together on the garden and son Julian breeds rare chickensand sells free-range eggs.

LMN04Milkwood Farm - Klaus and Joanna


DIRECTIONSContinue through Sligo in the direction ofDonegal Town. You will pass throughGrange and then a small village calledCliffoney. 4kms past Cliffoney there is asmall crossroads, please take the rightturn onto road L7108. Continue on thisroad until you reach the end 2.5km(you'll go straight through another smallcrossroads and over a bridge). Whenyou reach the end of the road turn leftand then immediately right at the yellow cottage. Continue on for almost 1km andtake your first left turn up a small road.We are the 2nd house on the left!

Talk 1 - 2pm FREE. Ollan Herr from Reed Beds Ireland will be giving a lunchtime talk hereon ‘Natural Waste Water Treatment Systems’ . This is a great opportunity to get some expertinformation, 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 seethe 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.

LMN05Architect

The Organic CentreColin Bell

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• 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


Síle 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 materialsand traditional craftsmenship. See www.blueberrycottages.com for more details.


LOCATION Hill House, Monesk, Blacklion, 20 mins from Manorhamilton.(+54° 26 692 -7° 96 251). Easy access and ample parking.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Local materials• Lime render• Solar panels• Wood fired heating• Productive gardens• Wildlife habitat• Passive solar gain through

glazed extension



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 fusea modern interior with the old exterior. He undertook on the work himself and saw it as achallenge to see how ‘green’ he could make the building. A sunny extension make makes thebuilding light, warm and spacious. www.theoldschoolhousecavan.com


LOCATION Meenaslieve, Dowra. Off the Dowra to Blacklion Road.20 mins from Manorhamilton.(+54° 21 662 -7° 98 096) Easy access & lots of parking.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Solar panels • High levels of insulation• Wood pellet boiler • Rainwater harvesting is used for the

toilet flushing• Reed bed • EU Eco label

LMN15 The Old School House - Mike McCann

Charlie EasterfieldColin Bell

LMN16Architect

Build entirely project managed by Charlie herself. Timber framed house on stilts. Home designedto 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 pointfor the rest of the garden which includes amazing borders, a pond, trees and polytunnel.

OPEN Sunday 30th August11am - 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Timber build• Wood burning heating• Productive garden


Traditional stone cottage renovated and extended using local materials and skills. Lime screedfloors and lime rendered walls inside and out. Beautiful creative spaces throughout, joinery byjourneymen/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 bywind and hydro power. Productive gardens and polytunnel.

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pmTours 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• 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

LMN17 Rob and Mairéad

*Rob and Mairéad are also offering an 'At Home' course on Saturday 29th August 11am - 2pm.See page 13 for full details.

DIRECTIONSFrom Sligo take the R286 to Parke'sCastle, continue on for 1.5 km, take rightturn signposted Manorhamilton/Newton-manor Church (lake jetty on your right)From Dromahair take the lake roadR288 for about 2km towards Sligo and Parke’s Castle, take right turnsigned Manorhamilton/Newtonmanorchurch (R286)For both directions follow the R286 for300m up a steep hill, house at 2nd entrance on the right, sign: TIMBER-FRAMEWORKS

Self-built, this timber-framed single storey house was built as per the ‘Walter Segal methodsof building for the self-builder’; as they saw these ideas as being ecologically sound. The orientationof the house was crucial and was positioned to ensure the best light in the rooms. A conservatoryprovides 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) Easy access, off small road.Parking at the house.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Low impact on surrounds through stilt and

single pad foundations• Passive solar heating through orientation

of the house, conservatory and southfacingrooflights into the kitchen

• Solar panel• Hunterstove feeding 10 radiators• Woodburner in Bathroom to heat bath water• Greenhouse and Polytunnel

Burkhard HerrmannColin Bell

LMN19Architect


Grace & Joe - The Mimetic HouseDominic Stevens

LMN20Architect

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 DominicStevens. They asked him for an ‘unashamedly modern house’ and the first design that he cameup with they loved; Dominic had taken on board one of Grace’s pieces of work about clouds andthat is certainly reflected in the design through its constantly changing appearance, as it reflectsthe 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.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Use of recycled materials (tyres)• Use of materials that were manufactured

originally for something different, hewould use them in a non-standard way

• The low/no mortgage can be consideredan eco-element in design



Film maker’s studio built himself following Peter Cowman’s econospace format. Perfect spacefor a quiet working environment separate from the home. Johnny can give you an insight intothe work involved in building this studio and an idea of costs.

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm*

LOCATION Killenummery, 5 mins from Dromahair.(+54° 20 357 -8° 30 188)Access via small road leading to the house. Park outside or at Ballinagar Church.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Hemp walls• Low carbon-footprint• Economic build• Reclaimed materials

*Highlight: Slideshow of build processand documentary made for RTE byJohnny about Peter Cowman.

LMN28Architect

Johnny GoganPeter Cowman

LMN29Architect

Mike and JoColin Bell


Self build. Traditional cottage with straw bale extension. Over 160 year old stone cottage, renovated and extended by Mike. Straw bale extension with a timber frame leads from the oldcottage to an open plan kitchen and living room. Large windows face southwards for maximumsolar gain. A green roof on the extension planted with wild flower seeds. Lime render throughout.

OPEN Sunday 30th August. Three tours only at 10am, 11am and 3pm.

LOCATION Edergole, 5 mins from Dromahair. (+54° 21 504 -8° 31 368). Access up small lane - 400m - to parking at house.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Straw-bale build & Lime render• Green roof• Local materials• Wood burner heating• Compost toilet• Productive garden

*BATS, BIRDS & BUILDINGS (page 5)Thursday 27th August 8.30pm

LMN30Architect

Frank ClintonGhislain Luthers

Unusual modern design which fits well into the farming landscape, through the barn stylecurved roof. The timber on the outside also blends with the countryside. Inside a very moderndesign and high spec finish throughout. Ghislain's exacting standards mean that the skill ofthe workmen is apparent throughout from the handcrafted stairs to the polished plaster.

OPEN Sunday 30th August11am - 5pm. Architect Ghislain Luthers will be on hand to answer questions.

LOCATION Killenummery, 5 mins from Dromahair.(+54° 20 728 -8° 29 467)Access off a small road. Very limited parking please follow signs.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Minimal impact on the land • A horticultural report on the site was

undertaken• Solar gain through windows


This award-winning ‘Butterfly house’ was designed by LiD Architects. This transformation ofan existing dormer cottage into a larger family home is nestled in the Doon Lough landscape.They have retained the existing cottage and built on a dramatic sun-filled space with viewsout to the site and surrounding hills for the living areas. The old cottage contains all the ancillary and private spaces. The timber-framed extension, beautifully relates to the rural site.


LOCATION Doon Lough, Fivemilebourne. 10 mins from Dromahair.(+54° 278781 -8° 321071) Up a small lane. Parking in drive and on road.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Renovation of buildings• High insulation• Low impact on landscape


Niamh MacCabeDierdre McMenamin - LiD Architects

LMN35Architect


Lyn and Steve LMN36

DIRECTIONS

Head out of Dromahair on the R287,continue forward on the R287, (land-mark a large stone building/house toyour right), take the first right onto theL42301, continue along this road forabout 1.5 miles, (landmark the Ardvar-ney School), carry on past the schooldown a steep hill, there is a sharp turning to the left at the bottom into theL4230, we are the second house onthe left.

Self-build renovation project. Vernacular 3 roomed stone built cottage believed to have been builtcirca 1790. Currently under loving restoration. Walls stripped of concrete render, new floor, new roof.Most of the building works done have been carried out by Steve, who is a precision engineer. Also a small holding with vegetable gardens, polytunnels, fruit trees and many pets, including Alpacas, a pot bellied pig called Podge and a dog called Max. They are in the process ofdoing a huge landscaping job at the rear of the house. All the stone that was retrieved from the stonebuildings that were once here, is being used to build a retaining wall. In the barn, they have built aseries of pods from waterproof ply, providing warm, dry and clean areas for their various hobbies.


LOCATION Killeen, 10 mins from Dromahair.(+53° 202592 -8° 277855)Narrow road, parking outside the house.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Renovation of old stone house • Use of recycled glass bottle insulation in

the dry lining• Lime pointing• Spring well• Use of innovative and recycled materials • Re-using stone from demolished buildings• Productive gardens

New Build. Home to two architects, Sara Connolly and Frank Pastor. The chance to build onSara’s homeland was the perfect opportunity for them to design and create their family home.A light filled, modern design with open plan living spaces. Windows of varying shapes and sizeschart the path of the sun throughout the day and frame stunning views of mountain and bog.


LOCATION Cloonty, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo. 30 mins from Sligo.(+54° 421577 -8° 413038)Good access. Limited parking outside the house. Follow signs.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Geo thermal heating system• Passive solar design• Well insulated


Frank Pastor and Sara Connolly Selves

LMN38Architect

DIRECTIONS

Enter the village of Cliffoney. Drive allthe way through the village. Approx.500m beyond the outskirts of Cliffoneyyou reach a crossroads (Gorevan’spub, the first/last pub in Sligo is on theleft). Turn right towards Ballintrillick &Gleniff Horseshoe. Drive straightthrough the next small crossroads(signposted for the “Tattie HoakerFarm”). Approx. half a mile from thiscrossroads there is a two storey farm-house on the left. 500m beyond this isanother smaller farmhouse on the left.Take the gravel laneway that leadsaround the back of this smaller houseto reach Frank & Sara’s house.

Jonathon and HelenSelf

LMN40Architect

45

The teaSHED and private house development is based on a traditional vernacular farmyarddesign but with a modern twist. Main dwelling house would have been traditionally white-washed with its out buildings and sheds built from unfinished natural materials i.e. stone andtimber. The design seeks to replicate this approach. Being built into the sloping site and step-ping with the landscape the massing of the two storey house is concealed. Mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, good insulation, reduction of cold bridges, triple glazing andgood airtightness construction is paramount in the design. Natural materials such as glueLaminate Timber beams and timber posts with untreated larch cladding.

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5.30pm. Tours on the hour by the architect.

LOCATION Glencar Waterfall, Co Sligo.(+54° 338980 -8° 369868)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreessPassivhaus Approach, Good Insulation, Minimisation of cold bridges, Triple Glazing,Airtightness, Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System, Solar Panels, Timberframe, Untreated larch cladding, Glue Laminate Timber frame and timber columns.

DIRECTIONS

Located beside Glencar Waterfall, accessible from the N16 betweenManorhamilton and Sligo follow thesigns for Glencar Waterfall. Approx.13km from Sligo turn left or 11km fromManorhamilton turning right. The roadloops around Glencar lake, leading toGlencar Waterfall and then eventuallyre-joins the N16.

*Highlight: The original Glencar Tea house was run by Helen’s family and dates backto 1800s. Photographs and original crockery on display in the café. Opening Times:Mon-Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm, Sun 12:30pm – 5:30pm

SL01Architect

Féile and ColinFéile Butler

Runners up in RTÉ’s Home of the Year 2015, the Mud and Wood House was designed and builtby Colin (a carpenter) and Féile (an architect). It is a hybrid of ancient construction techniques (mud wall)and contemporary natural building (straw bale) with plenty of extreme salvaging thrown in for goodmeasure. Colin’s natural edge wood and Féile’s sculptural elements enhance the curvaceous,free-flowing forms of their snug home. Shaped by the path of the sun, views of the Ox Mountains, theAtlantic Ocean and stunning sunsets, the design has the personality of its owners firmly at its heart.

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 5pm (please do not arrive before 11am)

LOCATION Grange Beg, Skreen, 20 minsfrom Ballysodare.(+54° 23 5638 - 8° 769543).

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Transformation of natural, raw materials

on site (earth) to building materials (cob,earthen floor, earth plasters, clay paints)

• Use of local, natural, low embodied energy materials and salvaged and waste materials

• Insulation – LECA, straw bale, wood fibre, salvaged polystyrene

• Hempire hemp-lime external render• Passive solar gain & solar water panels• Rainwater harvesting


DIRECTIONS

Take the N59 from Sligo towards Ballina.Skreen Church is on the left. Stay on the N59.Approx. 3km after Skreen Church, SkreenHomeland Co-op is on the right hand side.Take the 2nd left turn after seeing the Co-op,sign-posted L2303 (small white signs). A help-ful marker is a stone house directly opposite theturn (on the right hand side of the N59); it has nochimney. The Mud & Wood House is the 2ndhouse on the right, about 300m up this lane.NOTE: There is another L2303 in the area, alarge brown tourist sign to the Ox Mountains;DO NOT take this turn.

Family home of Will Woodrow & Sharon Eastwood & children. Traditional cottage (built circa1920s) with successive extensions including a timber-frame extension added in 2011 designed by Colin Bell architect. In 2011 the original cottage was extensively renovated withinternal natural insulation added. Home is heated with a wood-pellet boiler and solar panelsalso installed in 2011.

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11am - 4.30pm.

LOCATION Derk Road, Dromard, Co. Sligo. 24km west of Sligo Town. (54° 25 775’ – 8° 65924’)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Extension orientated for solar gain. • Timber frame extension • Natural insulation (cellulose, hemp batts)• Wood pellet boiler & solar panels• Use of local, natural and reclaimed

materials where feasible • Openings left for roosting bats and

nesting birds• Productive garden with chickens,

raised beds and polytunnel

SL02Architect

Sharon and WillColin Bell


DIRECTIONS

Located off the old coast road off the N49.Travelling from Sligo pass through Ballisodareand continue on N49 to Beltra. The road nar-rows and is lined with trees and you pass theBeltra Country market. At the top of this gentlehill, turn right at dangerous junction signpostedfor Dunmoran strand and Ballinlig NationalSchool. Follow this road along for 4km until yousee a signpost for ‘Derk Road’ which is thefourth lane on the right. Turn onto ‘Derk Road’and our home is the third on the left-hand side.

A terraced house in Sligo town - a work in progress. A great opportunity to see some of the reality about a full scale renovation. This is a completere-design of a two-up two-down house- Fidelma’s homeplace. Whilst Emmett place has beenbuilt around and the cottages overshadowed by Sligo developments the character of thishome is being preserved, allowing for a part of Sligo’s history to be retained. The clever design gets as much light into the rooms as well as making the most of the views – on oneside Sligo town and the other Benbulban and Rosses point. Insulation and underfloor heating bring the home up to near passive house standards. A must for anybody looking to renovate a town house.


LOCATION No. 29 Emmett Place, Sligo Town.(+54.273171, -8.479064)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Preservation of an old building• Internal insulation• Underfloor heating

SL03Architect

Fidelma CassidyColin Bell


DIRECTIONS

Heading south through Sligo on the N4,after the main junction of R292 take thenext turn to the right into Lynns Place.Head straight into Emmett place.

Rebecca and PaulSL04

Situated on just over an acre clearing in a conifer forest this house has been completely self-built around an existing old stone cottage. Over the years they have added extensions frontand back so that the old cottage is now encased in the centre of the house. The front extensionis made of glass so that for 6 months of the year they don’t have to use any heating at all. Theiraim is to be as sustainable as possible and have built their own rainwater harvesting system,compost toilet, reed bed and they have a wood fired boiler for under floor heating.

OPEN Sunday 30th August11am - 5pm.

LOCATION Located just off the R284 between Sooey & Geevagh.20 mins from Sligo.(+54.149415, -8.321761)


SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Rainwater harvesting• Compost toilet• Reedbed• Wood-fired heating• Garden

DIRECTIONS

From Sligo (approx. 20mins); From theN4, take the exit for Carraroe roundabout,at the roundabout take the 2nd exit, thentake the immediate left onto the R287 in direction of Dromahair, then immediatelyright onto the R284 in the direction of Ballygawley and Keadew. Drive throughBallygawley and through Sooey. About4kms out of Sooey you will see on yourright hand side, a boarded up buildingwhich is an old schoolhouse, immediatelyafter this take the next left. Drive to T-junction,take left, then we are the third entranceinto the forestry on the left hand side,there is a black letterbox at our driveway.

Imelda’s parents bought the old parochial house, next door, in the mid 70’s and she and her siblings grew up playing in The Outhouses. It is a former stables used by priests to house horses,cart, cows and store hay in the loft. In 2005 Imelda and Matt secured the architect Colin Bell toassist with this self-build project and moved home from Wales to start the work. Matt spent threeyears renovating and bringing back to life this old outbuilding, making it into the family home itis now. By using exterior insulation the olden day interior walls remain the same. With sustainabilityin mind they have upcycled and recycled as much as they could- not least the building itself! A video documenting the build can be seen on www.mattjoneswoodturner.com

OPEN Sunday 30th August 12 - 5pm,with tours starting on the hour throughout the day.

LOCATION Riverstown, 20 mins from Sligo.(+54.127207, -8.396655)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Geo thermal heat pump• Hemp insulation & recycled paper insulation• Timber framed extension with internal lime plaster• Roof timber, blue banger roofing slates and

interior fireplace bricks all recycled• Salvaged fittings and interior doors• External insulation

SL05Architect

Imelda and Matt JonesColin Bell


DIRECTIONS

Coming from the N4, take the turningat Drumfin Crossroads to River-stown, enter the village and gothrough village to T-junction. Turnright, pass Sean Mac’s Pub andafter approx. 200m take a right turnthrough the gates between thechurch and the national school.Drive through the church car parkand straight down the lane, througha set of gates with stone pillars.Continue straight down the lane tothe white house.

The Gyreum EcolodgeColum Stapleton

SL06Architect


‘The most extraordinary building in Ireland’ The Name GYR-EUM derives from the Greek root‘GYR’ meaning ’round’ – with the Latin ending ‘EUM’ implying ‘building’. As the Colis-eum meansthe big place, the Gyr-eum means the round place. Situated in Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo it seeksto be invisible with its green roof merging with the slope between the plateau of Moytura and thevale of Lough Arrow. It is aligned to the dawn and dusk solstices of winter and the solstice sundown of summer. www.gyreum.com

OPEN Sunday 30th August 11 - 5pm

LOCATION Corlisheen, near Riverstown 20 mins from Sligo.(54° 103146’ – 8° 336091’)

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Blends into the landscape• Underfloor heating• Vegetable gardens• Compost toilets

DIRECTIONS

From Sligo head south on N4 towardsDublin. At Castlebaldwin (a small village 14km south of Collooney) turnleft. After leaving the N4, simply followthe brown signs pointing towards‘Gyreum Ecolodge’. Follow the signstowards Highwood (crossing the Un-shin River) until you reach the local‘Bar’ with a petrol pump. At the ‘Bar’continue straight through the inter-section (DON’T take the main road tothe right), following the sign for LoughBo. At Killadoon Crossroads (thenext one), pass straight through(again towards Lough Bo) and takethe next left (1km later). Gyreum is500m along this small road on the right.

*Highlight: Throughout the day a ‘Blower Door’ will be installed in their workshop to demonstrateAir Tightness Testing and Infrared Thermography. Woodland walk. Coffee and tea in Art Studio.

Originally a stone-built cottage with various outhouses. Now transformed into a comfortablehome with spacious timber frame extension with lots of solar gain. The cowshed is turned into‘Knocknageeha Art Studio’ with upstairs guest accommodation. The hay barn accommodatesnow a timber frame workshop. All self-built. Building low-cost and re-use of materials are recur-ring elements to reduce environmental impact. Light and solar gain are prevalent for comfort.Their 4-acre farm land is slowly turning into their own little forest for enhanced bio-diversity. It includes a small pond for the newts and frogs and a ‘forest walk’ which is enjoyed by many kids.


LOCATION Knocknageeha, Ballintogher,20 mins from Sligo.(54° 186217’ – 8° 381644’)Easy Parking.

SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee FFeeaattuu rreess• Mortgage free, Low-cost• Re-use of salvaged materials (slates,

tiles, hard wood doors windows)• Natural building materials (timber, hemp,

sheep wool and celluloses)• Enhanced bio-diversity• Timber stoves• Daily use and promotion of bicycles.

SL07Architect

Christ and Martha

DIRECTIONS

From Dromahair to Ballintogher(R290). Turn left in Ballintogher at theCheckout-shop. After approx. 300m(you’ll pass the football pitch on theleft and a bungalow estate on right)take first turn to right. After approx.1000m take first turn to right (there’sa big two-storey house on your rightand as soon as you take the turnthen you’ll find a new house on leftunder construction).Up this narrowroad we are the 2nd house on leftafter approx. 1000m.

Lynsey de Burca has a fabulous new jewellery collection called “Home”. “My jewellery is inspired by the beautyof the landscape of the west coast ofIreland”. These pieces are on displayin the Leitrim Design House at The Dock.A perfect souvenir from Green-Door2015! www.lynseydeburca.com

A SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Thanks to all the wonderful homeowners, architects, designersand volunteers who have given their time freely over the weekend - Green-Door wouldn’t happen without them.Also a big thanks to Brian Smyth, Leitrim Development Company,Gabie Devaney - Double Dutch Design, Carolin Devaney - inTandem,all the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Sinéad Dolan of the Glens, Ciara,Laura, Sarah and Julie at The Dock and John the Map.And of course the IHL Steering Group: Kevin Callaghan, BrianSmyth, Dominic Stevens, and Mike Harris.

“Home”Lynsey de Burca

Leitrim TourismThe Old Barrel Store

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim071 962 0170

www.enjoyleitrim.com

Carpentry • Eco-friendly BuildingsOutdoor Living Spaces • Design • New Builds

Kitchens • Bathrooms

T 071 96 42898 M 086 196 9086E [email protected]

For more information, please visit


or contact Jo Lewis on071 913 4847 / 087 778 [email protected]

This project received grant aid from the Arts Council of Ireland, the Heritage Council, Irish Design 2015, the Government Policy on Architecture Grant Scheme 2015 by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the

Gaeltacht, Leitrim Arts, Leitrim County Council, Fáilte Ireland and IPB Insurance.

Green Door Weekend Brochure 2015

Documents

Transcript of Green Door Weekend Brochure 2015