Create an unusual shaped tree house using all local materials that will withstand the local weather conditions, age beautifully and inspire both young and old.
This space is also going to be used by adults as a Sauna The project has started... here are some notes from my diary and take a first “glimpse” ...

March 2010: We got ourselves a tree

It is a limb of a 150 year old beech tree, it fell down at my sister ‘ s house (thanks Julie and Pat!), and dug it into the ground as there was no suitable tree on the grounds.

The treehouse is being shaped and assembled in the workshop to allow me to work in the evenings and in the dry. When the frame is complete it will be disassembled and put together around the tree. The material is Leitrim Larch both for the frame and the
exterior cladding this should be long lasting and when weathered turns a beautiful silvery grey.

The frame is bolted together and resting on top of some left over oak railway sleepers which are bolted around the tree. Strong Manpower needed to get it up – THANKS KIERAN!! and Luke of course – carrying the “responsibility”

The outside is covered with left over/collected VAPER barrier and the joints are sealed. It’s been counter battended with 2x2 larch battens. The two windows are installed and are made from old office desks ie. 10 mm safety glass.

The oven for the Sauna is an old Gas Bottle which is converted by using a 6inch steel flu welded in place and than cutting in a small door at the bottom for ash collection and avent for the fire. The larger door cut at the top functions to feed in the logs and a welded ring around the top is where the stones are placed – TRUST me it works!!

Let' s dwell on the idea of creating extra living space that could be – separate from the main house – it is an ideal solution if you want the comfort and luxury of a contemporary area, room or workspace with the bonus of being slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of your beloved ones – and also adding additional value to your house! The POD – the Hive ! This honey-comb shape building is built of locally sourced timber, extremely well insulated – so therefore very easy to heat. The unusual design speaks for itself! It was designed for 2 local therapists as their treatment rooms – it holds 2 separate offices and a bathroom.

Positioning of your garden feature – engage with the elements and the greenery is key. This boat shaped decking is a luxurious space for lounging around with your family on hot summer days. The timber is locally sourced pine – size approx. 32 ft long.

Making use of being on a hillside this lovely stone patio creates a cocoon feeling while still being flooded with sun for most of the day.

There is nothing like the charm of a half door – both beautiful and practical.

Charming two bedroom house each room offers great liveability, comfort and style. Two bedrooms and bath upstairs, all with wood floors and loads of light. Master bedroom has large closets, skylight and tiled bench. Second upstairs bedroom also serves as study/office and has built in desk and bookshelves The downstairs is open plan with kitchen, dining and living all enjoying one light and airy space and a sweet little wood burning stove. The large carriage door opens to bring the outside during summer months.

Custom made outdoor sitting unit – as this unit is visible through the glass doors from the inside I wanted to create an adjoining look by bringing the living room feel outside. The L- shape reflects the L-shape sofa on the inside.

This 70 sqm workshop with a lean-to for storage of a sailboat and an over hang on the right side for storage of firewood – built from locally sourced materials it is ecofriendly as low carbon footprint – it is a truly inspiring place to work in.

This assignment was to design garden storage unit with a unique shape that potentially could be transferred into a home office or garden chill out zone in the future. Located in the backyard of an old school house the structural shape was inspired by the original bicycle shed the overall appearance however is contemporary and reflects the young, funky personality of the clients. Facts and Figures: The space is 40sqm, with a high ceiling with windows positioned high to maximise natural light but also ensure privacy. Both the frame and the shiplap cladding is locally grown Leitrim timber.

Rather than trying to hide your garden shed why not make it a focal point of your »recreational zone« by not only changing its outer appearance but also alter its overall purpose...