Home & Build Summer 17

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Contents

Letter from the editor

W

e are delighted you picked up our Summer issue of Home and Build. Finally, the weather has improved and families up and down the Country are getting stuck into their self-build or renovation projects. We speak to different architects and builders across Ireland and you will find a variety of properties in this issue that you can hopefully draw inspiration from. Our cover property is located in a rural setting on the outskirts of Lisburn City. Named Clogher House it’s the result of clients who had the insightful vision to see beyond the traditional whilst wishing to remain sensitive to the site location, existing ruins and neighbouring properties. The end result is an amazing home I’m sure you’ll agree.

We have a high-end refurbishment and extension done to a 1950’s cottage in Dalkey by Mark Arigho of Arigho Larmour Wheeler Architects in the space of 18 months. The property is situated down a private road and close to Dalkey village and has spectacular views of Dalkey Island.

In this issue we are also delighted to feature the family home of Niall Dolan of Greentec Ecological Homes Ltd. We have featured numerous properties that Niall has worked on so were delighted to have his own family home featured in Ireland’s Home and Build. The house is in Craughwell, County Galway and it is home to Niall, his wife and their two young children. Due to Niall’s extensive experience the Dolan family have ended up with a home that is a passive, nearly zero energy building that makes abundant use of sustainable, healthy materials.

We are delighted to announce that Ireland’s Home and Build is now a media partner with the Permanent tsb Ideal Home Show for the Autumn 2017 show from 27th – 30th October 2017. I’m sure many of you have attended the event in the past and with this partnership in place we hope to help grow the Extend & Renovate section of the show. We will be on stand O86 so pop by and say hello. You can purchase building DVD’s on the day that are also available on our website, get the latest issue of the magazine or simply have a chat with us.

Due to our media partnership with Permanent tsb Ideal Home Show we thought it was good timing to feature the home that was purpose built for the last show in April. If you attended the last show you might remember walking through this house. Ultan O’Lorcain of Innovative Home Solutions built the house in four weeks and it was displayed for three days and got more than 30,000 people going through the house over the course of the three days. The house was then taken down over the course of a week.

We recently launched on Facebook and Instagram so join us over there and give us a like and a share to increase awareness. Enjoy this issue and don’t forget to pick up our next edition out in early October and available in all good newsagents.

Home and Build Team

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30

Sales & Marketing Director: Anthony Kelly Graphic Designer: Colin Brennan Assistant Graphic Designer: Craig Kearney Editorial Assistant: Emer Kelly Advertising Sales: Artur Syroka Design & Layout: cleardesigns.ie For all advertising and marketing queries, contact Anthony on ph: +353 1 458 7672 or email: info@homeandbuild.ie Home and Build Magazine Ltd Ph: +353 1 458 7672 Email: info@homeandbuild.ie Address: The Loft, Main Street, Newcastle, Co Dublin © Home and Build Magazine Ltd 2017 ISSN: 2009-8669

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Contents

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44 NEWS 4 Latest news from the self-building and home sector in Ireland

54

8 COVER STORY Clients with an insightful vision in Lisburn

17 KITCHEN SPECIAL Bringing personality into your kitchen

DARREN KENNEDY INTERVIEW 30 Emer Kelly chats to all round good guy Darren Kennedy

FROM CAR PARK TO A LOVELY HOME 34 A new family home on a tight site in Dublin’s City Centre

CAR REVIEW 38 We drive the new VW Caddy

INTO THE WEST 44 Beautiful home in Craughwell, County Galway

BEDROOM FEATURE 54 The room of decadence and luxury

A CONTEMPORARY HOME IN DALKEY 60 High-end refurbishment and extension

ECO-FRIENDLY HOME 74 Ultan O’Lorcain showcases eco-friendly house

60 WEBSITE www.homeandbuild.ie for further information

Summer 2017 Home & Build

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News

VELUX® Rewards Customers All Year Round

S

elf-builders and roof window installers across Ireland can claim rewards, redeemable at top brand retailers and restaurants, every time they buy any VELUX roof windows, flat roof windows and sun tunnels in 2017.

The rewards are redeemable at a range of retailers and restaurants in Ireland, including Argos, Milano and Ticketmaster. VELUX intends to expand on this range of partners throughout 2017 to offer customers even more choice of where to spend their rewards.

Customers can earn rewards from €5 to €35 per product, with hand-picked partners to suit everyone in the family. Each product needs to be registered within 45 days of purchase.

To start gaining rewards, customers simply need to register with VELUX online at www.velux.ie/rewards. Using the new VELUX rewards calculator, installers can see exactly how much they will earn for each product they buy.

Richard McArthur, Marketing Manager from VELUX said: “We’re urging installers to take advantage of the fantastic rewards available to them when buying from the VELUX range. If you’re regularly buying VELUX products, the rewards can quickly add up. In fact, before you know it, you could have enough to take the family away on holiday. It only takes a couple of minutes to log every purchase from your computer or smartphone, so wherever and whenever you’re buying VELUX products, you’ll always be rewarded.

“We know that our customers enjoy rewards that allow them to give themselves and their families a treat, so partnering with some of the country’s best loved retailers and restaurants is a great way to say ‘thank you’ for the continued use of our products and service. Whether you are a frequent installer of VELUX products or use them just a few times a year it really makes sense to join VELUX Rewards and start earning points with every purchase.”

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VEL 10

Rewards

Rewards all year round

Collect VELUX Rewards all year round, every single time you buy a VELUX roof window, flat roof window or sun tunnel. Simply sign in to your account and log every purchase. If you’re regularly buying VELUX products, the rewards can quickly add up. You can then spend them with our top brand partners – and best of all, we’re adding new partners all the time!

Sign up now for year round rewards at velux.ie/rewards Terms and conditions apply. For details on UK partners visit velux.co.uk/rewards

VEL 10904 Homes &5Build 230x297mm ROI.indd 1 Summer 2017.indd

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News

Up To A Million Irish Homes Need A Deep Retrofit To Boost Energy Efficiency

D

eep retrofitting of our housing stock is recognised as one of Ireland’s biggest energy efficiency challenges and also a major economic and employment opportunity. This was the theme of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) inaugural National Deep Retrofit Conference which took place today at the Aviva Stadium. As many as one million homes built in the last century are considered to be significantly energy inefficient, resulting in higher energy bills and, in some cases, poorer health and wellbeing for homeowners. The upgrade work required is worth over €35 billion to the Irish economy between now and 2050.

The conference is the first of its kind to take place in Ireland with participation from key stakeholders including building design and construction professionals, financiers, Local Authorities and policy makers. Opening today’s conference, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD said: “The performance of our building stock is one of the greatest energy efficiency challenges facing our country. Today’s conference acts as a forum to share experiences and learn from each other. However, in overcoming these challenges there is the potential for significant economic and employment opportunity, as well as delivering more comfortable, healthier homes that are cheaper to run.”

Minister Denis Naughten, Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI and Victoria Burrows

Dwelling Units Approved Planning Permission Up 50%

I

n the first quarter of 2017, planning permissions were granted for 4,650 dwelling units, compared with 3,091 units for the same period in 2016, an increase of 50.4%.

The first quarter figures also show that Planning Permissions were granted for 3,754 houses in the first quarter of 2017 and 2,534 in the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 48.1%. Planning permissions were granted for 896 apartment units, compared with 557 units for the same period in 2016, an increase of 60.9%. One-off houses accounted for 27.4% of all new dwelling units granted planning permission in this quarter. The total number of planning permissions granted for all developments was 5,959. This compares with 4,914 in the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 21.3%.

Total floor area planned was 1,461 thousand square metres in the first quarter of 2017. Of this, 52.1% was for new dwellings, 28.8% for other new constructions and 19.1% for extensions. The total floor area planned increased by 14.1% in comparison with the same quarter in 2016. Planning Permissions for new buildings for Agriculture decreased to 281 this quarter. This compares to 429 permissions in the same quarter of 2016.

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Cover Story

CLIENTS WITH AN INSIGHTFUL

VISION IN LISBURN...

Nestled within a rural setting on the outskirts of Lisburn City, Clogher House is the result of clients who had the insightful vision to see beyond the traditional whilst wishing to remain sensitive to the site location, existing ruins and neighbouring properties.

F

ollowing a diligent analysis of the context, together with an appreciation of materials and spatial forms used in rural Irish architecture, the design is topographically driven maximising great views and creating a sense of connection between the building and its surroundings.

“I run an commercial interior design company specialising in hotel, restaurant and cafe design throughout Ireland. We don’t do any domestic work

and when it came to designing our new home it was important to employ the right people for the job,’’ said owner of the house, Paul Haffey.

“We had found a site in Lisburn with three old barns on it, a main structure building, a long slim out-house and a small ruin.

“I knew that I had to take a specialist on to do this job. We (my wife and I) had been looking for an Architect for about six months and came across a barn conversion by McGarry-Moon. We liked their work and were excited about what

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Cover Story

9 Words: Emer Kelly Pics: McGarry Moon Architects

they could do with our site.

“We had a meeting with Mc-Garry Moon Architects along with a number of other Architects but we thought McGarry-Moon were the right guys for the job and that is really where the process started,’’ explained Mr Haffey.

“There was already planning permission on the site but we felt that this could have more potential. After working with McGarry-Moon to achieve a new design we lodged our planning application and eventually the permission came through for what is there at the moment,’’ enthused Paul. ‘’The build lasted for about 15 months, from mid-March 2016. I have a lot of contacts in the building industry and I have worked with Meegan Builders in the past and there work has always been of exceedingly good standard, that’s why we hired them”, Paul imparted.

Approached from the south-west, the dwelling has a restrained appearance, with the texture and colour of the timber cladding and zinc-roofing material contrasting and interacting with the warmth of the existing stone walls. The integrity of the existing barn is retained whilst hinting to the dynamic design within. The new build element of the dwelling is slid behind the stone barn and its internal floor levels coinciding with the natural fall of the site.

The natural pallet of materials further enhances the local characteristics, whilst the freshness of the white render and glass compliment the warmth of the natural stone and untreated western red cedar cladding.

The contrast throughout the house is married through zinc-roofing on both elements, resolving any visual animosity. Internally a multi-functional fluid interior creates a dialogue between open-plan areas and more intimate enclosed retreats. The scheme deals intelligently with the climate and clients aspirations in a modern interpretation of a rural dwelling, creating a balance of tradition and innovation.

“We moved into the house last June (on Brexit day). We didn’t want a extravagant house, we wanted a house that works really well for us and Steven Moon and Jessica McGarry have achieved this for us. The way McGarry-Moon worked with the site has given us all of the elements that we were looking for’ explained Paul.

The ground floor of the property, which is the main barn area, that was kept, houses the kitchen, living and dining room. The living room is separated from the kitchen via a wood burning stove and television unit. This is the room that the family spend most of their time in, with another room on the ground floor acting as a play room for Mr and Mrs Haffey’s daughters.

Moving up half a level, the children’s bedrooms can be found along with a main bathroom. On the first floor is a master bedroom, guest bedroom and study area.

“The house has a great view over Lisburn and we are three or four minutes from the motorway which is perfect for both of us. The house is in the country Summer 2017 Home & Build

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Cover Story

but it is still just at the edge of the city,’’ Paul went on to explain.

In terms of materials used throughout the property, cellulose insulation is used within the timber structure and that is the section that is cladded in the cedar wood, there’s platinum bead used in the white plaster section which is in essence block and steel frame. There is 400mm of insulation used in the timber structure and within the barn section of the house platinum bead used. ‘’The house has underfloor heating and a heat recovery system which has been working out very well. The property is also airtight and heavily insulated so any heat generated inside is kept within the house,’’ said Mr Haffey. ‘’It has also been very economical, the heat pump is used during the winter for hot water and underfloor heating, and only hot water in the summer,

meaning energy bills have been quite low,’’ explained Paul.

As Mr Haffey works in the interior design business, did he find it hard to select the correct finishes for his own house? “ “Initially we had considered a concrete polished floor for the kitchen/living area, however, we moved away from that because we wanted to keep a warmth to the interior with softer materials and timber floors,’’ explained Paul.

‘My wife kept reminding me that it wasn’t a bar or a restaurant that I was designing and that it was our home,’’ laughed Paul.

As to what living in the house is like? We are absolutely delighted with our new home. Then location, the design, the views, workmanship and interior finishes all together have achieved a wonderful family home in which we can

“Approached from the south-west the dwelling has a restrained appearance.”

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Ian Dickson, ID Interiors, 37 Derryboy Road, BT23 6TD, Killinchy 0044-790 069 2579

id.interiors@hotmail.co.uk

Summer 2017 Home & Build

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Cover Story relax and enjoy,’’ said Paul Haffey.

“We are happy with how the house turned out, it is quite a unique design. The design was challenging and it took a long time to get the property off the ground from design to build, once the build took off it went smoothly,’’ said Architect over the project, Steven Moon of McGarry-Moon Architects.

“Paul works in the interior design business so he knew what he wanted for the house. The couple were also trying to maximise the views from the house over the Lisburn area. ‘’A unique aspect to the build is the carport at the front of the house underneath the master bedroom. The cantilever covers the carport whilst also taking in some spectacular views from within the house,’’ added Mr Moon.

“It’s a 300 square metered property with an integrated garage. The house is practical and quite contemporary. It was nice to see this property get across the line especially as there were a few delays at the beginning of the build,’’ concluded Steven Moon.

CONTACT LIST Architects:

Steven Moon, McGarry-Moon Architects Ltd, 9 Fallahogey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT51 5ST 0044-2829542323 0044-29542323 www.mcgarry-moon.com info@mcgarry-moon.com Main Contractor:

John Meegan, Meegan Builders Limited, Bree, Castleblaney, County Monaghan 042- 9754506 www.meeganbuilders.ie johnmeegan@meeganbuilders.ie Zinc Roof:

N & D Roofing, 8 Ardtrea Road, Dungannon, County Tyrone, Stewartstown BT71 5LY, United Kingdom 0044-7743001571 Glass:

Sean Timoney & Sons Ltd, Timoney Windows and toughened glass, Enniskillen, BT74 4JQ, United Kingdom 0044-2866329252 www.timoneywindows.com enquiries@timoneywindows.com Electrician:

James Connolly, Connolly Electrical, 1 Cope House, Broomfield, Castleblaney,

County Monaghan 0429743716 087-2819881 www.connollyelectrical.ie jconnollyelectrical@gmail.com Plumbing:

Sean McGeough, SP Plumbing & Heating Specialists, 170 Ballynahinch Road, Drumalig, Lisburn, BT27 6YJ 0044-7770302448 www.spplumbingheating.com info@spplumbingheating.com Specialist Joinery:

Ian Dixon, ID Interiors, 37 Derryboy Road, BT23 6TD, Killinchy 0044-7900692579 Heating:

Dermot McElroy, Heat Pumps Ireland, Coes Road, Dundalk, County Louth 042-9338688 www.heatpumpsireland.ie info@heatpumpsireland.ie Heat Recovery:

Pat McNamee 087-271 1038 Lighting:

P M Lighting, 14 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE, United Kingdom 0044-2890743254

Station Road Industrial Estate, Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7NP 0044-2837521060 www.armatilearchitectural.com contract@armatile.com Sanitary Ware:

Stephen Turnbull, Bathrooms for Ireland, 34 Old Kilmore Road, Moira, County Armagh, BT 67 0LZ 0044-2892610564 www.bfibathroomsforireland.com info@bfibathroomsforireland.com Kitchen:

Ian Dixon, ID Interiors, 37 Derryboy Road, BT23 6TD, Killinchy 0044-7900692579 Landscaping:

Ashvale Landscapes, 11 Old Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn, BT27 5PE, United Kingdom 0044-2892638099 www.ashvalelandscapes.co.uk info@ashvalelandscapes.co.uk Specialist Metal Work:

Joe Bonnar, Joe Bonnar Metal Crafts Ltd, Port Road, Letterkenny, County Donegal 074-9126662 www.jbmc.ie joebonnarmetalcraft@eircom.net

Tiles:

Gareth Doherty, Armatile,

Home & Build Summer 2017

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KITCHEN FEATURE SPECIAL

Summer 2017 Home & Build

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Kitchen Feature

Planning a new kitchen or looking for some inspiration then read some advice from some of Ireland’s top kitchen companies and get the kitchen you always dreamed of.

F

rom the days of solid wood and dark oak kitchens in the 1970’s to the modern styles and trends of today which encompass a variety of bright colours, fashionable trends, modern twists as well as it being the room that has become the ‘social hub’ in the majority of households unlike in earlier years when this room was described as one of the ‘undesirable rooms’ or ‘places’ to frequent sure have become more elegant and refined over time. Instead of welcoming guests into the living room, the kitchen is the place we gather friends or conduct business. Homeowners today are demanding large kitchen plans with plenty of space for baking, cooking and hosting and considering how important the “trophy” kitchen is for today’s homeowners. “Nobilia kitchens would be the biggest portion of our sales efforts. We’re

the main Irish agent for them,’’ said Vincent Balfe of Timbercraft. “These kitchens are typical German quality and they are good quality for money. The quality of their kitchen industry is really strong throughout the world,’’ added Mr Balfe. Kitchens are best placed near as much natural light as you can possibly get. East-facing spaces are great for capturing the morning sunlight. If kitchens connect to a South or West facing dining space then in the evening you will still have the last remenents of sunshine coming into the room.

“It is important to plan your kitchen from an early stage so as you can ensure that windows, joists and so forth are in the right places instead of altering the kitchen afterwards to make it suit. The house should reflect what you want instead of just fitting everything into a place because of the layout,’’ said Aisling Nyhan of Classic Kitchens.

Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Webpress

BRINGING PERSONALITY INTO YOUR KITCHEN

“It’s also important to decide what appliances you want in the kitchen. For example an American fridge freezer will eat into space in comparison to an integrated fridge freezer,’’ added Ms Nyhan. The size of your room, how it flows and its proportions will dictate the layout which is most suited to your space. There are various things to take into consideration when deciding upon your kitchen such as the type of kitchen you are going to install as well as stograge solutions.

• A galley kitchen is long and linear and they are usually used in tight spaces as they are a very efficient use of space.

• An L-shaped kitchen does exactly what it says on the tin. The units run along perpendicular walls to give the optimum in working ergonomics.

A U-shaped kitchen is where the L-shaped •

“It is important to plan your kitchen from an early stage.”

Home & Build Summer 2017

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About Concar Designs Concar Designs are an experienced team of skilled builders, carpenters, cabinet makers and bricklayers. Each with a keen interest for art and design. We are dedicated to designing and crafting handmade bespoke furniture, surfaces and products.

About GFR Concrete Glass fibre reinforced concrete is a specialized form of concrete that is highly fibre reinforced. It uses fine sand, cement, polymer, water and alkali-resistant glass fibres. GFRC has high bending and compressive strength, allowing for thin, strong and lightweight concrete pieces.

Contact Concar Designs today to discover just what the world of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete has to offer and get started on creating your dream home design.

Conor: 089 7013310 Dan: 089 7003536 www.concardesigns.com

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Kitchen Feature

“As each piece is handmade from scratch, complex 3D shapes can be achieved.”

kitchen is completed and it will give the most amount of storage and worktop area. This particular type of kitchen can be slightly restrictive and clunky whilst also dominating a room.

• In small spaces, remember to keep shelving open and easy to hand.

This will make the space seem bigger and also make it easier to use. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a fancy kitchen; simple open shelves with pots and pans everywhere can look great and function brilliantly. Get clever with open storage to make a small kitchen function better and therefore seem bigger.

• With limited space, storage is critical but if you use wall-mounted units things can get a little on top of you. Hang your collectables on the wall and possibly from the ceiling.

• Fridges are the biggest item in the kitchen so an under-counter fridge is a great way to save space and free up worktop space. A small fridge keeps you more in tune with its contents.

• Wall-mounted drying racks are also another way of making your work space appear bigger.

Fold down tables and chairs are great to pull out when needed.

• “At Concar Designs we make bespoke surfaces, furniture and products.

We specialise in glass fibre reinforced concrete and timber,’’ said Conor Carruthers of Concar Designs.

“Advantages of glass fibre for kitchen counter-tops. GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete) can be made much thinner without compromising on the tensile strength of concrete which allows for much larger, lighter pieces.

“As each piece is handmade from scratch, complex 3D shapes can be achieved such as integral sinks, drop down gables, long lengths and corners with as few seams as possible if any,’’ added Mr Carruthers.

“We are also not restricted to any thickness like sheet materials. With a myriad of colour options and the addition of decorative aggregates, veining and lighting, GFRC can be a personalised, flexible option not matched by other materials. “Kitchen tables and furniture can also be made allowing everything to tie in together,’’ explained Conor Carruthers.

“Painted furniture in colours from muted beige-greys and ivory to deeper blue-green hues is very popular. Our professional spray PAINT-IT service extends our stock kitchen door range almost indeterminately. Ready primed doors in three styles are available to the DIY market,’’ said Jean Montgomery of The Panelling Centre.

“For an economical and very hard-wearing alternative we have just introduced the new Alderly family of doors in three lovely shades. The textured PVC finish is so convincing that even experienced eyes have mistaken it for real wood painted,’’ added Ms Montgomery.

“German kitchens seem to have moved towards sleek straight lines and

Home & Build Summer 2017

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Kitchen Feature handless systems. They have also gone for nice smooth rectangular shapes, no fancy curves or awkward corners and that is the trend at the moment in kitchens,’’ explained Vincent Balfe.

“There has been a big move towards the industrial style kitchen such as incorporating a wood floor but with a rough red brick on the wall or polished concrete with a matte white lacquered door. Concrete has taken over in both architecture and in interior design,’’ added Aisling Nyhan.

“Handless presses are very popular at the moment. In the past, high gloss kitchens would have been very popular but now we find that it is painted matte finishes that would be more popular than the high gloss finishes.

Another thing to consider is the type of surface you are going to use for worktops. The functionality of the worktop is imperative so you should push the boat out as far as you can. Worktops are prone to damage and they take a lot of abuse during their lifespan, so this should really lead your decision making. In small kitchens you can splurge the cash on worktops or splashbacks (check out Prestiglass on page 68) as the areas you are dealing with are not too large so costs for these materials should be low. A good worktop is a good investment but it does not need to cost the earth.

“Budget may dictate your choice of worktop. There are many colours and finishes to choose from such as laminates, solid wood, quartz, marble and granite are all worth considering.

“The quartz worktop is emerging as the front runner. Available in lots of colours, it’s a hardwearing surface that keeps its pristine looks. A budget friendly option is our Leading Edge formica worktop with 40mm square modern edges in a variety of colours and textures,’’ enthused Jean Montgomery.

Yet another thing to spend some time thinking about is your cabinet doors.

Your kitchen cabinets will have the biggest impact on how your kitchen looks

and feels.

Plywood doors are cost-effective and they will look terrific.

• • Solid timber doors are a classic choice and in its natural state will help to give the kitchen a more natural feel.

• A painted timber-panelled door with a stainless steel handle can still give a contemporary look to your kitchen.

• When it comes to handles, you generally have something visible as an element in its own right, such as a stainless steel handle or a funky knob. The most contemporary option is to hide handles altogether with a handless door which gives that ultra-slick modernist aesthetic.

“Handless styling is sleek with uncompromising clean lines. Matt finish is taking centre stage from gloss. Elgin porcelain and Athena soft grey are super smooth, flat matt and elegant,’’ concluded Ms Montgomery.

“It is important to think about the price when you are buying a kitchen, the quality of the material and the quality of the installation of the kitchen is also important to take into consideration,’’ said Greg Kulig of GK Kitchens.

“When it comes to trends I think people are becoming more open to modern design. Before people were very careful when it came to kitchens, now they are open to ordering modern, trendy kitchens rather than the classic ones,’’ added Mr Kulig.

“Once you have the footprint of the kitchen working for yourself and once the kitchen functions, you can then dress it up bascially to suit. The kithen shouldn’t sacrafice function just to look pretty. A kitchen is a very personal thing to a person, it should reflect you,’’ enthused Aisling Nyhan.

“People are definitely getting a lot more creative when it comes to not only their kitchen but their homes,’’ concluded Ms Nyhan.

Your Lifestyle... Your Choice...

KITCHENS

LIVING SPACE

BEDROOMS

Phone: 083 165 1599 E-mail: info@gkkitchens.com

SLIDING WARDROBES

Follow us on

www.gkkitchens.com

Home & Build Summer 2017

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CLASSIC KITCHENS High Quality German Kitchens

We are agents for German Kitchens Noblessa, fitted wardrobes and sliderobes, Call into our showroom for a consultation and begin designing your dream space today, We have prices that suit every budget.

Unit 2 Innovation Park, Carrigaline Ind. Est, Carrigaline, Cork ▪ Tel: 021-4375900 ▪ classickitchensjk@eircom.net ▪ www.classickichenscork.com Free Quotations ▪ Consultation with 3D designs ▪ Selection of appliances available ▪ Selection of Wardrobes available

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B4U_H&B_ARTICLE_JUL17.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2017 15:55 Page 2

Bathrooms 4U

A new approach to creating

BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS Bathrooms 4U are making a big splash with their quality work and professionalism

B

“

athrooms 4U has a very simple

very conscious of the upheaval renovations can cause,

business model” according to Alan

so our tradesmen operate in a thoughtful manner

He is as enthusiastic about the initial design stage as he is about the actual build.

O’Sullivan the company’s founder

and reduce the disturbance to a minimum by treating

“Of course we also pay as much attention to the

and CEO, “we design, supply and fit

each job as if they’re working in their own homes”.

fun side of the project. Our friendly showroom staff

beautiful bathrooms, wetrooms and

On any given day B4U has five fully trained and

guide clients through the wonderful array of fixed-

shower rooms at a reasonable price. And we do it

equipped teams working in homes throughout the

price, complete bathroom packages we have on

in just five days”.

country. All jobs are unique but Alan explains that

offer or help them with the design process should

they follow a similar pattern.

they wish to create something completely bespoke.

From its original base in Tralee, Co Kerry, B4U has rapidly grown into one of Ireland’s leading suppliers

“Our installation crews start by stripping out and

Whichever approach they decide to take, they can

of bathrooms. The Kerry man is justifiably proud of

properly disposing of the old bathroom before fitting

be assured that their new bathroom will feature the

his company’s success but is quick to point out that

the new luxury replacement. All the plumbing, fitting,

best of modern sanitary ware and coordinated tiles,

wiring, tiling and painting is carried out to a fixed

along with complementary designer furniture and

“Our clients love our approach to building

work schedule, normally five days, and the finished

lighting. All told, this results in quality make-overs at

bathrooms because we have very high standards

result is not only guaranteed to delight but is also

amazing prices which, by no coincidence, is our

when it comes to craftsmanship and efficiency. We’re

guaranteed for a year.”

company slogan.”

it is based on hard work and attention to detail.

“Our clients love our approach to building bathrooms because we have very high standards”

B4U CEO, Alan O’Sullivan, is an experienced plumber who hails from a family steeped in the trade. His background has helped him to create a successful, vibrant company

Home & Build Summer 2017

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B4U 230(W)x297mm (H&B).qxp_Layout 1 16/06/2017 17:03 Page 1

ED ER R IST CTO EG A I R TR HR CON

ALL B4U BATHROOMS COME WITH AN AUTOMATIC, NO QUIBBLE, ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL WARE AND WORK

We can make your dream bathroom a reality in just five days One fixed price – no extra charges

– We cost everything up front so you know exactly how much you’ll pay

One team of qualified tradespeople – We dispose of your old bathroom properly and complete all the plumbing, wiring, plastering, tiling, fitting and painting required for your new luxury replacement

One working week – We like to start each project on a Monday morning and complete it on the Friday afternoon

DUBLIN • CORK • LIMERICK • KERRY

www.b4u.ie • info@b4u.ie

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Dublin: Right Price Tiles Centre 26 Spruce Avenue Stillorgan Industrial Park Dublin 18

Cork: Right Price Tiles Centre Glanmire House Lower Glanmire Road Cork

Limerick: Right Price Tiles Centre Raheen Roundabout Cork Road Limerick

Kerry: Right Price Tiles Centre Manor West Mile Height Tralee

01 906 5804

021 206 1910

061 525 167

066 719 7009

Summer 2017 Home & Build

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CPI SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

ELIMINATE AIR LEAKAGES When E:Zero E500 spray foam insulation is sprayed in place it expands by 100 times it’s volume and completely fills all cavities and voids creating an airtight sealed building envelope which eliminates air leakage and air infiltration.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Now more importantly than ever homeowners are very aware of the importance of reducing energy bills. When you have your home insulated with the most certified and “tested for use in Ireland” NSAI Certified E:Zero E500 open cell spray foam insulation this is achieved naturally with minimum disruption normally in 1 day.

UNIT 2 CHARVEY LANE RATHNEW CO. WICKLOW A67 XW92

INDOOR AIR QUALITY Our E:Zero E500 Open cell is water blown so the indoor air quality is enhanced. There is no fiberglass fibres floating around in your home. Our product is fluffy and soft to touch and is totally inert and does not degrade over time and will never need replacing.

BREATHABLE TIMBER We at CPI FOAM LTD have developed a breathable vent card that fits between the roof felt and the spray foam. This ensures that the 50mm air gap as per building regulations are met as per National Standards authority of Ireland NSAI.

FREE QUOTE CALL (0404) 66111 Web: www.cpifoam.ie

Summer 2017.indd 26

Email: info@cpifoam.ie)

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Phone: +353 (0)1 453 0032

Email: sales@awnings.ie

Phone: +353 (0) 45 844 800

Web: awnings.ie

Showroom by appointment Johnstown, Naas, Co.Kildare

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CM

MY

CY

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Home & Build Summer 2017

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For the freshest choice, pick Britannia

With unmistakeable quality and innovative features that are built to last, you’ll discover that when you have a Britannia, everything else is just a finishing touch.

Contact Glen Dimplex Ireland on +353 (0)1 842 4833 or email salesireland@glendimplex.com

Find us online at www.britannialiving.ie and follow us on

Your life. Our passion.

€300 BRITANNIA VOUCHER Terms and Conditions. Voucher valid until 30th September 2017. Redeemable in participating retailers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (voucher equivalent £250). Applicable on all purchases of Britannia range cookers. One voucher per purchase. Voucher not redeemable on products already discounted. For more information on Britannia Living and stockists, visit www.britannialiving.ie. Summer 2017 Home & Build

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Darren Kennedy

AN INTERVIEW WITH DARREN KENNEDY Emer Kelly chats to all round good guy Darren Kennedy

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tylist, designer, television presenter and all round good guy Darren Kennedy is busier than usual at the moment as he is preparing to launch his own brand of clothing. Mr Kennedy has become a household name in recent years and he has a become one of the most recognised names and faces in the media world over the last 12 months or so due to his incredible work ethic, down to earthiness and jolly approach to life.

In terms of style, he has unique taste and that unique taste transpires through to the interiors within his Dublin home.

Here Darren very graciously took time out of his schedule to chat with Home and Build whilst opening up the doors to his quirky apartment.

Home and Build: Darren, what are you getting up to work wise at the moment?

Darren Kennedy: Right now is a particularly busy period with lots of travel.

I’m just back from the Monaco Grand Prix and the weekend before I was at the Cannes Film Festival. Now I’m gearing up for Men’s Fashion Week and I’ll be doing all the big European capitals - London, Paris & Milan. I’m also working on launching my own brand of clothing, so it’s busy! It’s not all work and no play however. I did manage to take a holiday to Sri Lanka at the beginning of May and stayed at the most wonderfully designed place ‘Olcote in Ceylon’. It is definitely worth checking out.

H & B: Your home is fabulous, where did you get the inspiration for the interiors from?

DK: Why thank you! I’m always very inspired by nature and it’s ever changing form and colour combinations. Of course, my travels are a big influence too.

H & B: Having seen it featured on the Christmas special of Home of the Year we saw that it was an apartment and that you have made the most

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Darren Kennedy

31 Words: Emer Kelly Images: RTÉ / Home of the Year

“I’m very visually driven and get bored with looking at the same thing.” of the space you have, what words of advice would you give to anyone who lives in an apartment and who needs to make the most of the space they have?

DK: Don’t be afraid to go bold and make a few statements. Most people think a small space should be kept neutral to maximise the sense of space. This is true to a certain extent but don’t be afraid to have fun with your home.

H & B: In terms of interiors, is there anything you would change within your home?

DK: At the moment, I’m pretty happy, but I’m very visually driven and get bored with looking at the same thing so no doubt more changes will happen.

personal highlights?

DK: I never imagined the success we’d have with my Louis Copeland partnership. We only ever planned on doing one collection. In the end, we created six sell out ranges so I’m very proud of that. I’ve worked with Specsavers a lot over the past couple of years and our relationship continues to blossom. As well as being an official style ambassador for brand, I also get creative with my new ‘Darren Kennedy Recommends’ Edit, where I chose my favourite frame styles for men and women. The new collection actually hit stores this month so I’m really excited about that. My series The Unemployables (aired on RTÉ) which I devised and co- presented, made a genuine impact on the lives of the people involved and that’s very rewarding for me, the format was nominated for ‘Best New Format’ at the European Broadcasting Union Awards so that was an added bonus.

H & B: You have quite a hectic work schedule, how do you juggle it all?

H & B: You’re also a brand ambassador for Renault Ireland.

DK: Sometimes better than others! Overall, it’s really important to balance the madness of work & travel by spending quality time with the people who matter most - my family & friends whom I adore.

H & B: Over the last few years, you have achieved some amazing things including your suit range for Louis Copeland’s- have you any

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DK: Yes, well I’m a massive Francophile...I love the food, the culture, the fashion and of course the language (I studied and worked in France for two years) so my partnership with Renault is ideal for me. Plus, the Mégane GT Line that I drive is quite the looker!

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permanent tsb Ideal Home Show

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED

TO BUILD YOUR HOME!

If you are building, renovating or designing your new home then the permanent tsb Ideal Home Show from 27th – 30th October 2017 RDS Dublin is a must attend event

F

amilies and individuals planning to build their own home understand that they are taking on a major project which requires professional advice and planning if the desired outcome is to be achieved and glitches (with their inevitable additional costs) are to be avoided.

The largest, most comprehensive and best known source of free professional advice and the place where a great deal of the necessary research and product sourcing can be achieved is the bi-annual permanent tsb Ideal Home Show at the RDS. Perhaps that is why 21% of the visitors to the last event c. 5,700 self-builders attended the April 2017 exhibition. The next Ideal Home Show takes place on 27th – 30th October 2017 in the RDS. Readers and followers of Ireland’s Home & Build will have the opportunity to register for free admission tickets in advance of the event.

Advice & Inspiration: Perhaps the most important element of any home building project takes

place long before a sod is turned – design.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland host The RIAI Build, Extend & Remodel Theatre where free presentations on house design such as maximising the potential and design ideas for rural, urban and suburban homes, are held on an almost continuous basis throughout the event.

The exhibition also includes a series of stands where architects, designers, builder and suppliers are on hand to help you find the professional designers, advisors and suppliers you will need for your project.

The RIAI Theatre is located in the Build & Extend Pavilion where you can consider all the options from a range of competing suppliers include Doors & Windows, Insulation Systems, Heating Systems, Flooring, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Furniture & Décor, Lighting, Blinds and Appliances.

No other event provides you with the range of suppliers and free professional advice that hundreds of thousands of Irish home owners have already availed of.

Home & Build Summer 2017

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permanent tsb Ideal Home Show

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Over 230 companies exhibit together with the following inspirational features: The Ideal Home Showhouse The Colourtrend Interior Design Forum The Jackson Groarke Architectural Advice Centre The First Time Buyers Pavilion The Irish Times Home & Design Theatre The permanent tsb Centre Now Is The Time: Now is the time to advance your home building or renovation plans – property prices are rising and interest rates are coming down.

But first you need the ideas, expert advice, inspiration and the suppliers that only Ireland’s largest and best loved exhibition for home owners can provide – the spectacular permanent tsb Ideal Home Show.

Whether you are planning a new build project, extension or renovation or are looking for the interior design, décor and furnishing or looking for your dream kitchen or bathroom or simply want to learn about the latest appliances, technology, comfort, energy efficiency and lifestyle - You Will Find It All at the permanent tsb Ideal Home Show RDS Simmonscourt 27th – 30th October 2017.

See www.idealhome.ie for more information.

“No other event provides you with the range of suppliers and free professional advice.”

Summer 2017 Home & Build

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ODOS Architects

FROM CAR PARK

TO A LOVELY HOME Within the last four years the founder and creative director of ODOS Architects, David O’Shea was appointed by the owners of what used to be a car park to design a new family home on a tight site which is located down a narrow lane-way in Dublin’s City Centre Home & Build Summer 2017

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ODOS Architects

Words: Emer Kelly Pics: ODOS Architects

“There is a step section in the house so you are always either looking down or you are looking up.”

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r O’Shea drew up a design which responds well to the properties restricted context by creating a central courtyard to maximise the amount of light entering the spaces. This recently completed development consists of a contemporary style interior, rich in texture with a core and the intimate, well-lit courtyard. A roof-light has also been strategically planned to maximise light and spatial quality, allows the linking areas to benefit from a very carefully considered palette

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of colours and materials. “This property which was used as a car park for many years was built on a tight lane-way. The home owners had spent a lot of time in Japan and America and they had lived in different and unique forms of housing and the level of expectation that they had for the house that they lived in was a lot higher than our normal clients and so the Japanese effect of living quarters comes in to the house,’’ said David O’Shea.

“There is a courtyard in the middle of the house given that the site is so deep we built over

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ODOS Architects

the full length of the house and the middle of the house would have been really dark hence why we decided to put a courtyard into the middle of the house and we then pushed the front and the back of the house apart with the courtyard in the middle to get light down into the middle of the house.

“There is a step section in the house so you are always either looking down or you are looking up at a level above or below you and you are doing so across a courtyard which is nice. It makes the house that bit more interesting,’’ added Mr O’Shea.

The breakup of the building’s main elements, defined in elevation by the horizontal structural lines, help to identify the structure and functions contained behind.

The building profile is further strengthened with a deliberately weighted treatment to the openings at first and ground floor level adding to the aura of secrecy as to what’s contained within.

The polished concrete stairwell also acts not only as a physical connector but it also allows natural daylight, reflection and shadow to travel throughout the building uninterrupted.

The floor plan of the dwelling is conceived as a flexible pattern or weave

of built and unbuilt spaces stitched together around the central circulation route linking the split-level accommodation (six plates in total). These unbuilt or trapped spaces become a series of outdoor rooms, which bring the experience of landscape and foliage into the core of the dwelling and stimulate a strong spatial dialogue between opposing areas.

“We also had to achieve off street parking and we had to satisfy that. The car had to be housed off the lane-way. The home owners and I didn’t want to have a front garden because that would have meant that the building would have had to have been set way back so the obvious way to rectify that was by putting the car in at ground floor level and then building the house over at first floor level.

“Depending on what kind of car you have it is nice having a car inside the house. There are good Japanese examples where they drive the car into the sitting room and it is a very acceptable form of living and having the car as a work of art or a bicycle hung on the wall. It is just a different type of form of living and it is a very easy way of living to adapt to,’’ he enthused.

“When you come in off the lane way, the carport is directly beside you and then you go up a set of steps which brings you up to the hall door which is at first floor level and there you have the kitchen which has a connection with the garden at the back and so you come down half a level and you are out in the garden.

“From the kitchen there is a little visitors toilet and when you go up half a level out towards the lane way where you entered, you are in to the living space and then there is a secret stairs to the back of the living room in behind the cocktail cabinet and behind that cabinet is a stairs which brings you up to the master bedroom which leads you out on to a beautiful terrace with a barbecue and there is a great big white gable wall on the neighbouring property and one of the home owners wants to play projected movies at night which would be great and there is seating for 10 people up there,’’ imparted Dave O’Shea.

“Beside the kitchen there is a stairs going down to the basement and there

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ODOS Architects

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are two bedrooms and an office down there as well as a family bathroom. We managed to get a lot in on the site. There is a nice sized garden and there is a nice sized terrace on the roof and there is lots of space within the house as well.

This property features concrete floors and plasterboard throughout and it is very well insulated.

“The site was bought in 2013 and we were on site with this project for about 12 months. When you get a good run at properties you can get them down pretty quickly. Work concluded on the property in 2014 and they moved in shortly afterwards,’’ he said.

“A part of our job is to show visitors to a house a different side to architecture and that it isn’t huge money to live in a house like this. If you do get a good Architect and if you think outside of the box the impact on your life and on your family is so significant,’’ enthused Mr O’Shea.

“There are still the normal perceptions as to what standard housing is and there doesn’t seem to be any great offering as an alternative to that so it is good to question the status quo and try to bring something different whilst making people a little bit braver. This type of living isn’t for everyone but we’re not here to satisfy everyone!

“Houses are such personal things, they are possibly one of the most difficult things you can build because it is someone’s home and they are going to be living in it. People can be fixated by what they deem to be a house. We’re just trying to introduce a bit of difference and a bit of fun,’’ added David O’Shea.

CONTACT LIST ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE:

David O’Shea, ODOS Architects, 37 Drury Street, Dublin 2, D02 YK20 01-6725300 www.odosarchitects.com info@odosarchitects.com DESIGNER:

David O’Shea, ODOS Architects, 37 Drury Street,

Dublin 2, D02 YK20 01-6725300 www.odosarchitects.com info@odosarchitects.com ENGINEER:

Fitzsimmons Doyle & Associates, 250 Harold’s Cross Road, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W, County Dublin, D6W YD63 01-4966011

www.fdaconsulting.ie admin@fdaconsulting.ie CONTRACTOR:

Sheerin Construction, Unit 6 Swanward Business Centre, Ballymount, County Dublin 01-4584524 www.sheerinconstruction.ie info@sheerinconstruction.ie www.rayburn.ie

“The floor plan of the dwelling is conceived as a flexible pattern.”

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Car Review

VW Caddy The unsung hero of many a small business has got even better

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ithin the motoring industry media journalists often refer to certain vehicles as a workhorse but they more often than not are referring to a large 4x4 that would pull trailers on farms and be something that can handle all conditions.

But it’s the likes of the Caddy that is the real unsung hero. Quietly going about its work transporting everything from electrical equipment to cakes, flowers and coffee. It blends in and gets the job done and can be seen up and down the country with either graphics emblazoned on the side for maximum impact for the business owner or a tradesman going about his days work. For many people they spend upwards of eight, ten or more hours behind the wheel meeting clients every day. This is their ‘office’ if you will. As such you really want to be in something that drives well, looks good but also has top notch safety equipment and a comfortable and inviting interior. The good news is the Caddy doesn’t disappoint.

The interior driving area is more car like than van like and feels inviting. It’s somewhere you’d be happy to spend time in. It feels practical, sturdy with a quality build and plenty of space to put paperwork, note pads, water bottles etc as you go about your days work. A 5 inch colour touchscreen radio system including AUX-IN, SD card slot, MP3 compatible CD player, USB input, two speakers and Bluetooth are standard on all Caddys. Our model had the optional ‘Composition Media’ with 6.3” TFT display. There are storage drawers under the front seats and bins in front of the gear lever, as well as in the door panels and a roof shelf stretches above the windscreen across the full width of the cabin so handy to keep items out of site and your driving area neat and tidy. The Caddy has ‘Air care Climatronic’ air conditioning as VW call it. This is a two-zone temperature control for the driver and passenger and it recognises outside temperature and intensity of the sun’s rays in order to add more or less cool air. Gone are the days when you had to settle for a van that was well below a car interior

standard. And this is great news for lots of small business owners.

The compact Caddy provides a useful 3.2m3 load compartment. If you need more room, then the Caddy Maxi’s load volume increases to 4.2m3, while the length increases by 469mm. With a generous 726kg payload with easy load access, a low load bed, wide side sliding doors and a choice of either asymmetric rear doors or tailgate we had no problem loading or unloading the Caddy.

The new model has some of the familiar looks of the previous Caddy van but its styling is more in line with the rest of the Volkswagen van and car range with hard lines and a clean corporate face that will be repeated in future models. The front delivers a bold stance, the rear features sharp design and elegantly sculptured rear light clusters.

Additional highlights include a chrome strip on the radiator grille, stylish side indicators and a range of attractive alloy wheels as an optional extra.

The Caddy has a smooth running and economical engine with BlueMotion technology and complies

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Car Review body coloured bumpers, door mirrors, handles and protective side mouldings, cruise control, driver alert system, leather steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter along with rear parking sensors and storage compartments under front driver and passenger seats. You also get stylish 8-way adjustability on the driver’s seat, including lumbar support.

Our test vehicle was the Highline which comes with 15” ‘Caloundra’ alloy wheels in the 75hp and 102hp version or 16” ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheels for the 150hp. Our test vehicle had a set of rather cool looking 17” Rockhampton alloy wheels (€511 option). The aforementioned Climatic air conditioning, composition media radio system, front fog lights, heated windscreen, leather multifunction steering wheel, visibility pack including auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain sensors with automatic wipers and intermittent control all come with the Highline spec. The highline version really has more than enough kit to keep you satisfied but

as standard if wanting to keep the budget down the VW Caddy has plenty on offer.

Conclusion It’s business as usual for the Caddy. The Caddy has great load space with easy access to load and unload. Build quality is as you would expect with good safety technology and an interior that you don’t mind spending time in. The engine is fuel efficient and quiet and was a nice comfortable drive. If you plan to be in the vehicle more than the office then I’d recommend to consider the Highline spec we drove as it has everything you could possibly need. If you need an upgrade to your own business vehicle or are considering upgrading your fleet then contact your nearest dealer where you can organise a test drive and get a closer look at the Caddy.

Words: Anthony Kelly Pics: Motors Ireland

with the Euro 6 emission standard. Euro 6 models all have 2.0-litre engines, producing 75hp, 102hp and 150hp. The Euro 6 TDI common-rail direct injection diesel engines offer various levels of performance and plenty of torque for shifting heavy loads. Depending on your engine, you’ll receive a 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox, while all Caddy models include BlueMotion Technology as standard – consisting of Start/Stop, Hill Hold Assist, low rolling resistance tyres and regenerative braking. We were in the 102hp version and found it to have plenty of power and more than adequate.

If you expect to be hauling heavy loads constantly then perhaps consider the 150hp engine.

There is plenty of standard kit as already mentioned along with driver and front passenger airbags and curtain airbags, electric front windows, electric heated and adjustable wing mirrors, remote central locking and electric seat belt tensioners to name a few. Move to Trendline and you can add

39

Technical Specification Model VW Caddy Engine Size 2.0-litre TDI Fuel Type Diesel Power 102hp Transmission 5 speed manual Acceleration (0-100km/h) 10.3 seconds Top Speed 194km/h Consumption 4.6/100km or 56.5 mpg CO2 Emissions 120g/km Road Tax €333 (Commercial) Base Price €22,009 Our Test Model €27,886

“The interior driving area is more car like than van like and feels inviting.”

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P: 021-4876963 E: info@decostones.ie W: www.decostones.ie

Deco Stones, Unit 7 Westpoint Trade Centre, Link Road, Ballincollig Co.Cork

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Perfect Water Systems Ltd.

Perfect Water From

PERFECT WATER SYSTEMS LTD Water is one of the most important substances on earth. We all need it to survive and on a daily basis it touches many aspects of our lives.

W

e drink it, wash with it, cook and clean with it. However, as we know all too well in Ireland we cannot rely on the quality of water delivered to our homes and businesses.

Many users suffer from the detrimental effects of hard water, from its unpleasant taste to the unacceptable consequences of the calcium and magnesium levels contained in the water piped to our homes, which causes lime scale.

Lime scale caused by hard water is a costly nuisance for Irish householders and business operators alike.

While the most visible sign of lime scale can be seen in a kettle, it builds up just as dramatically in washing machines, dishwashers, showers, hot water boilers and pipe work. Over time it affects the efficiency of appliances and eventually they stop working due to its corrosive effects.

Lime scale also leaves white stains on taps, sinks and shower cubicles, while fabrics washed in hardwater become harder, more importantly our wellbeing and health can be affected with hair washed in hardwater made brittle and skin left dry.

Installation of a soft water treatment system by an expert firm such as Perfect Water Systems, headquartered in Charleville County Cork offering a nationwide service, can help protect appliances, heating and plumbing thus creating a significant saving on breakdown and repairs, while also stretching the lifespan of appliances.

“Whether it’s the improved taste of soft water over hard water, the fact that it gives you great looking skin and hair, big saving on soaps, shampoos and cleaning products, or less cleaning to do, once you’ve tried a water softener, you won’t ever want to give it up,” said Dawson.

Colm Dawson, founder of Perfect Water Systems said, “A lack of clean and safe water is a real problem in many areas of Ireland. We live up to our name by being perfectionists and we guarantee to provide businesses and

homes with pure filtered water. Established in 1995, Perfect Water Systems quickly gained a reputation for high quality professional installations and has stayed the course to build on that reputation.

“We promise a complete a thorough water treatment service in your home or business. We provide reliable and efficient installation and servicing of water softeners, Drinking water filters, pH correctors, iron and manganese filters, Ultra Violet Bacteria Control. We are famous for our high quality Broxo tablet softening salt, and our service vans can deliver to your door, if required,” said Dawson.

Industrial and Commercial Systems Perfect Water has been installing industrial and commercial versions of Kinetico water softeners all over Ireland for the past fifteen years. “Guinness Brewery, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, The Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, D&M Restaurant and Lodge in Croagh, Killeline, Nursing home and the Leisure Centre in Newcastle West are a few of our many satisfied customers.”

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44

Greentec

INTO

THE WEST When Proprietor of Greentec Ecological Homes Ltd Niall Dolan was preparing to build his familial home, one sure thing was that the house would be built to the best standard with a very unique spin put on the design.

T

he house is in Craughwell, County Galway and it is home to Niall, his wife Mary and their two young children Ava and Callan. Work began on the property in 2015 and it was completed in August 2016 with the family moving in September of the same year.

Usually timber frames are erected within the space of seven or eight months but due to Mr Dolan’s busy schedule things were held up slightly.

One of the foundational points of the build was to create an exemplar project in sustainable building for one-off rural houses. The Dolan family have ended up with a home that is a passive, nearly zero energy building that makes abundant

use of sustainable, healthy materials.

“I’ve being working in the passive house industry for the last number of years and I wanted to build my own passive house because I’ve seen the comfort that a lot of the couples I would have built these houses for have. I sold my old house and I built this one,’’ said Niall Dolan.

Mr Dolan worked closely on the project with his architect, Miles Sampson with the layout of the house taking its inspiration from the traditional farmhouse cluster where home and outbuildings enclose a central courtyard whilst also respecting the site’s traditional boundaries of dry limestone walls

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Greentec

Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Kelvin Gillmore

“I’m very happy with the house and how it turned out.”

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Greentec

“The Dolan family have ended up with a home that is a passive, nearly zero energy building.”

and mature trees.

“We’re living in the house almost a year and it’s a really comfortable house and our children love it because of the big garden. The kids spend a lot of time outside and you can see them from all parts of the house. Inside the house there is constantly a nice temperature throughout,’’ enthused Mr Dolan. As Niall was working on projects for his clients, working on his own house took a slight back seat. “I had to deal with a lot of hand over dates for houses and I had to stick to them. You can’t just take a month off. I was working on my own house and I was tipping away at bits and pieces in the evenings and whenever else I got the chance’’ he explained.

Due to spreading the work across a lengthy period of time, a few problems ensued. For instance, the wood fibre external insulation, a product which neatly represents the material choice across the project. Mr and Mrs Dolan were keen to ensure that the majority of the materials they used were natural but by specifying wood fibre external insulation the project took on a certain level of risk. Needing almost five weeks of dry weather to fit the insulation first followed by rendering it, but trying to take time out of Niall’s busy schedule was tricky. Thankfully five weeks became available in September 2015. The wood fibre within the external insulation extends over the window frames which reduces the surface area being exposed to the elements.

“Last year, I was lucky that I got a great run at working on my own house from February, it came at the right time as it was coming towards the end of the project. At the beginning of it (the build) it was tricky because I was trying to look after other people’s houses and then come back to my own in the evenings. There was a lot of work to be done behind the scenes in terms of pricing, detailing and everything else. No problems arose when it came to

applying the cellulose insulation which was specifically for the walls. More than 11,000 recycled newspapers were used to create the insulation.

“We tried to use a lot of healthy building materials throughout the house because I like the whole ethos of natural insulation and stuff. I find that the cellulose is really good for using because it is pumped in under pressure and it fully fills the voids compared to putting in rolls (of insulation), people putting in the insulation really have to manage it and to ensure that it goes in properly and without any gaps. Cellulose is a healthy, breathable material.

The external insulation is wood fibre and that is a natural insulation also,’’ explained Niall.

In terms of the windows, Niall selected windows that were free of petrochemical-based insulation in the frames. He decided upon a passive certified unit from M-Sora. The frames are made completely of wood and feature a patented technology which gives a passive standard U-value using air alone as an insulator in the frame.

Architect Miles Sampson positioned the property to maximise the solar gains, whilst still retaining the mature trees. The back of the house faces south and it features a stepped down profile to ensure that the kitchen, dining room, sitting room and playroom all get equal amounts of sun. This side of the house features lots of windows with the north-facing front of the property featuring a far more traditional design with small, dispersed windows looking onto the road.

“I wouldn’t be used to picking finishes, usually the architect would have that done for most people. We had to be involved when it came to picking fitouts and that kind of stuff, I was never on that side of the fence before, usually

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Greentec

I’m given the list of what has been picked. We were trying to pick things that would stand the test of time,’’ said Mr Dolan.

The flat sections of the roof will be planted with sedum, a widely distributed fleshy-leaved plant with small star-shaped yellow, pink or white flowers which are grown as ornamental plants. The pitched roof has also been fitted with a 4kW integrated PV array. The sedum area was sized by Mr Sampson to counterbalance the amount of carbon used in the making of concrete for the foundations and as a result of that it delivered a zerocarbon build. In addition, the roof is wired to take a further 6kW of PV if required.

Mr Dolan is also planning on sourcing a battery which will allow him to store power and thereby reduce his reliance on the grid at times when the PV is not producing. Niall also plans to have enough energy left to charge an electric car. The property is primarily heated by a Nibe air source heat pump which supplies underfloor heating on both levels. The sitting room also features a gas fire where Niall didn’t state underfloor heating to avoid any risk of overheating in a room with facades.

“I’m very happy with the house and how it turned out. When we moved in, we settled in the house straight away. The design is a very good one to live in. It took a while to complete it but I’m glad that I was also still able to work and bring in an income whilst building. It was stressful building the house, working on seven other houses and taking care of a family, I wouldn’t envy anyone doing it,’ he explained. “Miles Sampson was a fantastic architect as were all of the guys who worked on the house with me, they were excellent.

They were very good at their trades and patient with all of the details. “I wouldn’t change anything about the house!

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“The wood fibre within the external insulation extends over the window frames.”

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CONTACT LIST ARCHITECT: Miles Sampson, Sustainable Architecture and Innovative Design, Kilcornan, Kilkishen, County Clare 061-749975 www.milesampson.com CONTRACTOR & PROJECT MANAGAGMENT: Niall Dolan, Greentec Ecological Homes Ltd, Main Street, Craughwell, County Galway 091-846703 087-2930793 www.greentec.ie info@greentec.ie TIMBER FRAME: Kudos (erected by Emmet Nee), EnEco Build, Lissagurraun, County Galway 091-555625 087-9261891 www.enecobuild.com info@enecobuild.com ENERGY CONSULTANT: MosArt, Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew, County Wicklow, A67 X566 0404-25777 www.mosart.ie MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR: Western Energy Systems, Cahertymore, Athenry, County Galway 086-8439784 www.wesenergy.ie donal@ wesenergy.ie ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: F & H Electrical, Unit 3 Crossagalla Enterprise Centre, Ballysimon Road, County Limerick 061-417494 AIRTIGHTNESS TESTER: 2eva.ie, Carlow Gateway Business Centre, Athy Road, County Carlow 05991-69121 087-9871979 www.2eva.ie info@2eva.ie HEAT PUMP & UNDERFLOOR HEATING: Unipipe, 40 Southern Cross Business Park, Boghall Road, County Wicklow 01-2864888 www.unipipe.ie info@unipipe.ie MVHR: Brink HRV, Unit 9D Racecourse Business Park, Ballybrit, County Galway 091-764761 087-2436029 www.airflowireland.ie info@airflowireland.ie

CELLULOSE INSULATION: Cellulose Insulation Ltd trading as Ecocel, Unit K8, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, County Cork 021-4324567 www.ecocel.ie info@ecocel.ie

CLADDING: Machined Timber Specialists Ltd, Unit 8 Block B, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, County Wicklow 01-2812106 www.woodcomponents.ie info@woodcomponents.ie

WOOD FIBRE INSULATION & AIRTIGHTNESS PRODUCTS: Partel, 17 Claregalway Corporate Park, Claregalway, County Galway H91 R85P 0818-333355 www.partel.ie sales@partel.ie

SCREEDS: Esker Readymix Ltd, Sandymount, Esker, Athenry, County Galway 091-848027 086-8533864 www.eskerreadymix.ie info@eskerreadymix.ie

THERMAL BREAKS (Foamglas blocks): Thermal Insulation Distributors Ltd, Unit 1-4 Keypoint Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Blanchardstown, County Dublin 01-8829990 www.tidl.ie sales@tidl.ie THERMAL BLOCKS: Quinn Building Products, 235 Ballyconnell Road, Derrylin, Enniskillen, BT92 9GP, United Kingdom 0044-2867748866 www.quinn-buildingproducts. com info@quinnbuildingproducts.com FLOOR INSULATION: KORE Insulation, 7 The Green, Kilnaleck, County Cavan A82 KR79 049-4336998 www.kore-system.com info@kore-system.com WINDOWS: DBP Fenestration Ltd, 0044-1444390902 www.customfenestration.com info@dbppartnersltd.com ROOF WINDOW: VELUX Company Ltd, Unit 1 Willsborough Cluster, Willsborough Industrial Estate, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 01-8161620 www.velux.ie sales@velux.ie ENTRANCE DOORS: Geraghty Joinery, Racoona, Carraghy, Claregalway, County Galway 091-797193 www.geraghtyjoinery.com info@geraghtyjoinery.com

GGBS: Ecocem via Esker Readymix, Esker Readymix Ltd, Sandymount, Esker, Athenry, County Galway 091-848027 086-8533864 www.eskerreadymix.ie info@eskerreadymix.ie SOLAR PV: Solar Century, 25A Aghayaran Road Upper Castlederg Co Tyrone Northern Ireland BT81 7YA 0044-2881670304 www.ceini.co.uk info@ceini. co.uk GAS STOVE: JP Distributors Ltd, U8 Cookstown Enterprise Park, Belgard Road, Dublin 24 01-4524144 www.jpdistributors.ie jpdlsales@ eircom.net

TIMBER FLOORING: Bearfoot, Western Industrial Estate, Knockmitten Lane, Fox-And-Geese Common, Dublin 12 01-4567129 www.bearfoot.ie sales@bearfoot.ie FLAT ROOF MEMBRANE: Newell Roofing Products, Carnmore, Oranmore, County Galway 091-790475 www.roofingproductsireland.com sales@newellroofing.com ACOUSTIC FLOORING UNDERLAYS: Sheep Wool Insulation, Unit 1, Railway Business Park, Balleese Lower, Rathdrum, County Wicklow 0404-46100 www.sheepwoolinsulation.ie info@sheepwoolinsulation.ie

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BY DRU

GLOBAL CONTEMPORARY GAS FIRES BY DRU. Now available at your local Global dealer!

Summer 2017.indd 49

DRU PRODUCES GAS FIRES WITH SUPERIOR DESIGNS, HIGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SMART TECHNOLOGY. The Global range is elegant, versatile and affordable for all households. Visit our showroom or view the full range on www.drufire.com

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Building healthy homes for life.

Building healthy timber frame homes.

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Ecocel

The Workings Of Cellulose Insulation Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper, with natural salts added to give amazingly superior resistance to fire, mould and insects.

E

veryone in building knows about itchy mineral-fibers. But there is a third insulation fiber that not all builders have discovered yet - cellulose fiber.

Until recently, insulation has always been something of an afterthought - we built first and then, well, just stuffed some insulation in afterwards.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper, with natural salts added to give amazingly superior resistance to fire, mould and insects, vermin, etc.

The result is an actual reduction of greenhouse gases because the material is carbon-negative – more carbon is locked away than is released in its manufacture. This puts cellulose insulation at the forefront of environmental materials.

Ecocel cellulose fiber is the only insulation manufactured in Ireland from locally sourced raw materials i.e. recycled newspapers.

[Therefore Carbon Negative when installed] With ever-increasing demands for better U-values, airtightness and green credentials, sophisticated building now starts with insulation and asks which type of construction gives the best environmental performance overall? In many cases the answer is timber frame, which can be the easiest way to get the insulation thickness needed for the target performance, along with the attraction of engineering with the most sustainable materials, in factory conditions.

Builders have to choose which of the fiber insulations, or even petrochemical foams, to install. But the question is, how do you get the best results for both environmental performance and build cost? For the answer to that, we also need to look at the methods of installation.

Cellulose is installed with a blowing system, whereas alternatives are installed by hand. Being pumped under pressure to tightly fill every space, cellulose measurably improves airtightness, leading to better pressure test

results, so less heat leaking away. Even with painstaking care, the alternative of cutting rolls or slabs into shape cannot match this.

Another feature of the system loved by builders is the speed – large buildings can be insulated in days rather than weeks. Time is money for builders, but don’t forget the environment Less time = less energy to get the job done.

How do we know how good cellulose fiber is?

A study by Colorado University compared cellulose and glass fiber in 2 otherwise identical buildings. Airtightness with cellulose was 37% better than with glass-fiber, 26% less energy was needed to heat the cellulose building, and after turning off the heating overnight the cellulose building held its temperature better and was 70(F) warmer at the start of the next day.

A similar study by Wimpey Environmental Ltd concluded that cellulose insulation used 24% less heat than glass-fiber. Significantly, measured U-values were not as calculated – cellulose was 6% better, while glass-fiber was 15%worse than predicted. U-value calculations do not tell the whole story when using nominal values for thermal conductivity!

Looking ahead, insulation will be even more central to building design. We all have to find better ways to reduce energy needs and carbon-emissions, but not by going backwards with the performance of our buildings. Now is the time to ask which fiber to use for the best results?

Ecocel asked this question and chose to specialize in the manufacture and installation of cellulose fiber. It is the greenest insulation, is highly cost-effective for the builder, and has an astonishing range of further benefits [including lasting the lifespan of the building] – More information on these can be found on our website. www.ecocel.ie Tel 021 -4324567 john@ecocel.ie

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John Egan 021-4324567 www.ecocel.ie info@ecocel.ie

Ecocel is an eco-friendly home insulation product made from recycled newspapers,which compares favorably with all imported alternatives.

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Stoves Feature Bedroom

THE ROOM OF

DECADENCE AND LUXURY One of the most important rooms in the house is often overlooked.

Y

ou may or may not be surprised to read that given we think of kitchens and living rooms as the main rooms in the house, the bedroom is where you begin and end every day making the bedroom the most important room in the house. Bedrooms are a place of rest when you need it, a place of comfort when you are sick and most importantly a room that is removed from the busy life that is shared with many.

Within this feature which is solely dedicated to bedrooms, we give you tips when it comes to laying out your bedroom, how to make the most of the space you have, things to consider if you have an en-suite in your room and things to consider when it comes to selecting your bed. Often bedrooms are overlooked when it comes to home renovations but with a little thought, this room is the one place where you can add a little bit of luxury and decadence to create a space that is completely your own.

The layout of each house is completely different but if possible the bedrooms should be located at the quieter end of the house away from the main doors and living areas. Aim for an east-facing orientated bedroom as you will wake up to the morning sun. In terms of the bedroom itself, try to position the bed adjacent to a window as it will assist in getting a better sleep. Some people find that a bed facing an opposing window is a bit too much as they can’t help but feel someone might be looking in. A good blind system is another thing to take in to consideration. Black out blinds are a good choice especially when it comes to darkening a room where young children may be sleeping.

Bedside lockers are also a must when it comes to furniture for your bedroom, whether the units are used to store books, odds and ends or as a night stand, they are badly needed when it comes to your sacred space!

You can also run a compact unit along the back of your bed. By simply

opening shelving directly onto the bed, you will have lots of storage for items such as speakers, books, clocks, lights, trinkets and photograph frames.

A good storage system in the bedroom is important. Good storage is one of the first things that will create the oasis of calm you are looking for in your bedroom. “At Concar Designs we make bespoke surfaces, furniture and products, We specialise in glass fibre reinforced concrete and timber.

In the bedroom and en-suite Concar Designs offer a number of options such as bespoke cabinetry and vanity units using hardwoods, softwoods, sheet materials, live edge timber and valchromat, a next generation MDF available in a variety of colours,’’ said Conor Carruthers of Concar Designs.

Bedrooms should also be close to a bathroom for trips to the toilet. Where possible try to have an en suite in your bedroom.

“Along with the addition of glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) the design options are endless. Concrete counter-tops with integral sinks of any design, dimension and shape creating unique pieces. Bath surrounds, shower trays and tiles are just another couple of uses for GRFC,’’ added Mr Carruthers.

Sockets and lots of them are something else that is so often overlooked, whether they are for plugging alarm clocks, lights, chargers etc into, make sure that there are lots of them in your bedroom. The layout of your bedroom will dictate what type of bed you can get. Before buying a bed, it is very important to measure the room and see what size bed will fit. Another thing to remember in advance of purchasing a bed is to get the biggest bed you can comfortably fit into the room. It is the width that is important not the length. Unless you measure more than six feet in height a standard length bed will do, around 1500mm x 2000mm. The quality of the mattress is something else to take into consideration. Buy the best mattress you can afford as it’s worth making a couple of sacrifices to get the most supportive

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About Concar Designs

Certified by the Concrete Countertop Institute

Glass fibre reinforced concrete is an exceptionally unique, personal, bespoke option and each surface design is created in collaboration with you to meet your particular taste. GFRC can be mixed with a variety of solid materials such as wood, metal or brass to create a truly one of a kind design.

Our design team travelled to America to complete our training at The Concrete Countertop Institute. Adding the limitless capabilities of concrete to our skill set. Our professional team works closely with each client to create a personal expression of their style.

Contact Concar Designs today to discover just what the world of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete has to offer and get started on creating your dream home design.

Conor: 089 7013310 Dan: 089 7003536 Summer 2017 Home & Build www.concardesigns.com

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Stoves Feature Bedroom and comfortable mattress you can find. The average person spends approximately one third of their lives in bed so it is important to select a good quality bed and mattress.

“First of all, it is very important that when you come into a shop like mine or any other bed shop that you are prepared to lie on the mattress and not to just sit on it. The mattress is designed to take your weight evenly so we insist that customers come in and that tells us what type of mattress they’re looking for such as a memory foam mattress etc and then they lie on it.’’ said Michael Flynn of Mattress Micks.

“We give our customers a pillow so as they can lie on the mattress in the shop so as you can put your whole body on to the mattress and get the feel of it. 90% of people sleep on their side with the other 10% either sleeping on their back or their stomach and we insist people do this in the shop also so as they can see how the mattress and bed feels.

“Your sleep is your wellness so if you cannot sleep comfortably on a mattress it is no use to you. It is essential that you lie on the mattress in the shop before buying it. In our shops, we would also ask our customers if they have any allergies because we now have mattresses available that won’t aggravate their allergies,’’ explained Mr Flynn. “With most mattresses now you don’t have to turn them you just rotate them.

IRELAND'S LEADING CUT PRICE BRANDED FURNITURE WAREHOUSE! Minard, Sligo Road Longford N39X028 043-334 1895

086 - 835 6888

www.bigmickey.ie

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Stoves Feature Bedroom “When you get a good nights sleep, it is improving your health and you wake up in better form. This is something we tell our customers all of the time. “There is no point in having a decent mattress if the base of your bed is very lumpy. The base of your bed will not be weak if you put drawers in it, it will not be lumpy either due to the use of new materials in bed bases,’’ enthused Michael Flynn.

The master bedroom is one of the primary rooms in a house and the more space you can get into it, the better it will function. If you can afford the space, a small place to sit in the bedroom is a wonderful thing. A small seated area, or even a well-positioned big, comfortable chair and side table can make all the difference. It enables you to spend time in the bedroom that’s not in bed. This space is a great place for an early-morning cup of tea or a late-night chat waiting for someone to get out of the shower. Just don’t treat this space as a clothes horse as no one wants to see clothes strewn across a bedroom!

For most people a walk in wardrobe/ dressing room is most certainly a luxury.

Storing clothes and how we access them is a big part of the success of any bedroom. If space is tight, pick one long running builtin unit 600mm in depth along one wall and this will certainly house everything you need it to. This is one space efficient solution. This unit can also feature folding doors to create a small sealed vanity unit with a mirror which is giving you the best of both worlds.

The question is often whether or not to build in some storage or to go with free standing units. There is no right or wrong answer and it’s up to personal preference. Building units into a space will usually maximise the storage available in the area. Doing this also means that you can design something that will work within the confines of a given shape and you can tailor its shelf sizes to your specific needs. If you go with full-height doors, you can get a very minimal and sleek look. Free-standing pieces often work in either bigger spaces that can take large single pieces or funnily enough in small spaces.

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Dalkey Cottage

A CONTEMPORARY

HOME IN DALKEY The high-end refurbishment and extension of a 1950’s cottage in Dalkey is nothing but breathtaking.

T

he high-end refurbishment and extension of a 1950’s cottage in Dalkey by Arigho Larmour Wheeler Architects is nothing but breathtaking.

The client’s brief was to refurbish and extend their existing cottage, making a new kitchen, living and dining space along with a workshop and an artist’s studio. The architect’s challenge was not only to design within the parameters of exempted development which limited the heights of the eaves, and removed the need to apply for planning permission, but also to design the project to be built in two phases to allow the clients to move in as early as possible.

“The way the cottage looks is a pragmatic reaction to the space constraints and the planning restrictions on it. The clients were keen to avoid having to go for planning permission and the conditions of exempted development really informed the design,” said Mark Arigho.

“The height of the eaves on the existing cottage set a datum which we had to work to.

We lined up the eaves of the new roof with that and everything really sprung from there. Inside the new space the ceiling springs up into a vault and on the outside the shape is an asymmetrical pyramid. The angle or slope of the roof was too low to use a traditional slate finish so we chose a zinc cladding, which was more suitable. Our design removed the top of the pyramid and replaced it with a roof light which allows the most beautiful light to enter the new space from above throughout the day.”

The property is located down a private road off one of the main roads leading into Dalkey Village. Tucked away in a little enclave of about 10 houses, the front of the house has a very charming character which make the stunning views which are revealed to the rear all the more unexpected “The site is fortunate in that it borrows a sense of enclosure from the mature planting in the gardens surrounding it and the great big trees frame a beautiful view to both Dalkey Island and the sea to the East and also to the

South,’’ added Mark.

Upon entering the house a splayed wall which conceals lots of storage behind it pivots towards the newly configured open plan living space. It has the effect of leading and ushering you in to the space. The kitchen sits at the heart of the house, lit by a roof light above.

“We got a call from the client’s back in 2015 when they had just bought the cottage. They were living in rented accommodation and were keen to get working on the house quickly so they could start living in it,’’ enthused Mr Arigho.

“The project was designed to be built in two phases to allow them to move in as soon as phase one was complete. The first phase of the project was to refurbish the existing cottage and the second phase was to build the extension. We actually designed the whole project as one but made careful detailed decisions, so as it could be built in two phases yet appear seamless inside. It was agreed that we would maintain the existing cottage as much as possible and then extend at the back of the property as soon as we possibly could.

“You access the house at the centre and then there is a little bit of magic in the middle of the hallway where there is a new roof-light and the wall is pivoted so that pushes you into the extension and that is where it is completely modern as you’ve left the 1950’s workers cottage and you’ve come into a really unexpected contemporary, modern space,’’ Mark went on to explain.

“In the initial refurbishment, we stripped out all of the existing finishes and we insulated the house, we redesigned the bedrooms and the bathrooms and the second phase kicked in about six months after the clients moved in. We had agreed the design approach in principle and at that stage went back to the drawing board to develop the design in detail. The project took about 18 months to complete,’’ explained Mark.

“A lot of the time when you enter a house you’re walking into a dark corridor because the plan is cellular and all the windows are around the edge of the building. Here we concentrated

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Dalkey Cottage

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“The kitchen sits in the heart of the house, lit by a roof light above.�

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Dalkey Cottage

“The project was completed in two phases.”

on making the centre of the house as bright as possible with everything rotating around a central point and the top lit staircase.

“The skylight above the stairwell faces South so when you enter the property you are met with a wash of light over the angled wall which pivots you into the kitchen, living and dining area. It is a very bright hall and with the space extending both upwards and beyond to the extension it feels very open and fluid.

“The light and view draws you through the space in a lovely flow. You are met with the view of the sea to the East and then as you progress through you’ve got this vaulted top lit ceiling and then the view to the South and to Dalkey Island,” he added.

Upstairs there is a master bedroom and a bathroom. There are two children’s bedrooms downstairs as well as the main bathroom and a separate living space.

“One of the decisions we took was to leave the living room at the front of the house alone as it gets the West light and has quite a particular character to it.

At one point we thought we might join this space up with the kitchen and living area by knocking through the wall, but actually it works much better keeping it as a separate private space,’’ explained Mark.

The first phase of the works included dry-lining the existing cottage with XtraTherm. The extension was built using concrete block work alongside an insulated render.

“It’s a Webber system, the insulation sticks directly to the block work and then there is a mesh and render system which is coloured on the outside,” explained Mr Arigho.

“It was about keeping things simple within this project as well as keeping the palette of materials simple down to polished concrete or power-washed concrete, white walls, a zinc roof and keeping the detailed design really clean and controlled.’’

“The angled wall to the garden, and the overhanging roof were important design decisions. The glazing is South facing so in order for the living space not to overheat, the wall of the extension cranks in, and the roof of the extension pushes out slightly providing an overhang which helps stop any potential overheating,’’ enthused Mark.

“The large sliding doors mean that the garden and the house can feel really

connected. It is beautiful on a warm day.”

As to any problems encountered throughout the build?

“The attic space had already been converted by previous owners and we found that the first floor joists were incredibly springy. We used extra steel to strengthen the joists up there which has worked well,” explained Mark.

“When you’re building in Dalkey you are always afraid of hitting granite and we did encounter that. Thankfully it was a huge rock formation rather than lots of rock boulders and we were able to cast the foundations on to it. We were able to work creatively with something that could potentially have been a problem.

“There were some quite tight parameters with this job but we feel that these challenges made it all the richer. The site is on a quiet private road and we had to bring numerous trades people and vehicles down there but we were fortunate that the clients had a good relationship with their neighbours,” concluded Mr Arigho.

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With 20 years of experience and knowledge, KD Roofing can handle any roofing project.

K.D. Roofing Ltd, 4 Monastery Gate Copse, Dublin 22.

Kieran Duffy • 087- 2335097 • www.kdroofing.ie • info@kdroofing.ie

CONTACT LIST ARCHITECT: Mark Arigho, Arigho Larmour Wheeler Architects, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01-5516928 www.alwarchitects.com info@alwarchitects.com STRUCTRUAL ENGINEER: Ciaran O’Brien, OBA Consulting, The School Yard, No.1 Grantham Street, Dublin 8 01-5350084 01-5517278 086-0214737 www.obaconsulting.ie ciaran@obaconsulting.ie QUANTITY SURVEYOR: Phelan Doyle, Unit E8, Calmount Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12 01-4016021 Tom 086-8121119 Liam 087-2195039

www.phelandoyle.ie hello@phelandoyle.ie KITCHEN DESIGN: Porter & Jones, 39 Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Dublin 2 01-6788884 www.porterandjones.com studio@porterandjones.com MAIN CONTRACTOR: Vincent Keaveney, Ramsden Construction Building Contractors, 34 Olaf Road, Arbour Hill, Dublin 7, D07 K71H 01-6719529 087-9745451 POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS: John Carroll, Concrete Concepts 086-8131996 www.concreteconcepts.ie info@concreteconcepts.ie

WINDOWS: Reynaers Aluminium, Forgelands, County Wexford 053-9235600 www.reynaers.ie sales.ras@reynaers.com ZINC ROOFING: KD Roofing Ltd, 4 Monastery Gate Copse, Red Cow, Dublin 22, D22 DP30 087-2335097 www.kdroofing.ie info@kdroofing.ie INSULATION: Xtratherm Limited, Liscarton Industrial Estate, Kells Road, Mullaghard, Navan, County Meath 046-9066000 www.xtratherm.com info@xtratherm.com

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COMPOSITE STEEL DOORS We offer modern designer COMPOSITE STEEL DOORS, classic constructions as well as anti-burglary entry doors for homes, apartments and public use buildings. The brands we offer have a distinct style and technical applications so that the process of choosing is simple. We attach great importance to product quality, while still keeping in mind the budget of our customers.

Warm, safe, and modern, made from high-quality materials resulting in a product which is durable and secure. When deciding on such a door, there is the possibility to adjust the model, the thickness of the leaf, frame type, door handles, custom made side and top panels, as well as many other options.

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Veranco

VERANDAS: A NEW CONCEPT FOR IRISH GARDENS

O

ur glass verandas and canopies are an excellent new way to enjoy your outdoor space. The high quality, aluminium roofing is entirely produced in Germany, using only the finest of materials. Our professional construction team guarantees the perfect final result for your aluminium roofing.

All of the verandas are single-unit productions, adapted to the individual needs of our customers.

There are many options to choose from when deciding on your ideal canopy.

gives you the opportunity to match your veranda to the colour of your existing windows or doors.

The aluminium profile is thoroughly powder coated for a professional finish.

Colour Choose from a countless variety of colours as our verandas are available in any RAL shade. This

Lighting Integrated LED lighting is the perfect option for those who like to enjoy their garden at night time. Our lighting systems allow you to continue enjoying your outdoor space regardless of the time. The LED spot lights come with a dimmable function and are controlled with a simple to use remote.

Sun Awnings Do you feel that you require additional sun protection or want the feeling of increased privacy in your garden? A high quality sun awning may be the ideal addition for your veranda. There are many materials to choose from and the awnings are fully automated for extra comfort.

Heating Feeling a little bit chilly? Reach for the remote and switch on the heating system! This can also be a great way of bringing cosiness to your veranda.

Endless Opportunities There are no limits when it comes to our

verandas. You can choose from endless options and numerous accessories.

If your garden experiences high winds, this can be easily solved with some side panels. You can also add a sliding or bifold door to create the ultimate winter garden!

If the space you are looking to cover is not a simple square shape, don’t worry, our verandas come in all shapes and sizes to meet your individual needs!

A glass veranda is the perfect addition to any home.

Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory quotation and explore the possibilities that Veranco can bring to your home!

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GLASS SPLASHBACKS VS TILES What to choose for your kitchen?

Glass Splashbacks vs Standard Tiles - what to choose for your kitchen?

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in every house, as well as a really challenging space to renovate and refurbish. The reasons are quite big requirements that have to be looked at while renovating or arranging the whole kitchen, ie waterproof units/cupboards, properly protected floor or long-lasting paint, resisting to hot steam or mould. However, paint is not recommended for the oven and sink area, as well as the space between worktop and the cupboards, where we mainly go for different types of tiles or more and more popular glass splashbacks. What are advantages and disadvantages of both? Let us answer this question.

Aesthetic - which solution is better?

Both tiles and glass splashbacks lovers, talk about their choice in superlatives in case of look and beauty of the product, but it is often an individual issue.

Tiles are a classic kitchen addition, well known from the beginning, differing only in tile type, colour or size. Glass splashbacks, especially printed glass splashbacks, give a lot of possibilities in terms of arranging a totally new kitchen, or bringing small modern changes to your kitchen. Both options have many supporters, and the internet nowadays shows many different ideas and inspirations for using many of these options.

Functionality and Cleanliness Glass Splashback is number one in this case, mainly because of no gaps between the panels (tiles grout), it is much easier to keep it clean and shiny.

The dirt and mould doesn’t bother the glass as much as tiles, and it is easier and cheaper to keep it clean - simple glass cleaner is all that is needed. It is really annoying problem in our country, because of humidity, that often leads to mould and moisture problems - therefore the difference can be clearly seen comparing easy to clean glass with small or uneven type tiles, where it’s hard to keep the tiles themselves clean but also the grout.

Price and Fitting The price depends on the type of tiles chosen - we can choose a dearer Italian style tiles, on special order, which can be much dearer, even than glass panels with individual design. Fitting looks much easier in case of glass splashback. The fitting is fairly easy and clean, as there is no need to move away units, household appliances, and it takes less time than tiling. Secondly, it is much cleaner as there is no need for onsite cutting or adhesive/grout mixing as it is in case of tiles.

Durability - which solution is for years?

Tiles are good choice, if we’re looking for a job for many years. Glass panels can also be a good long-term investment, though we have to choose a good manufacturer. The print should be durable, straight on a toughened glass, not as a sticker, which loses quality and discolours because of the sun, and mainly heat from the oven/hob temperature can shrink and smash the sticker, which finally unsticks from the glass. It is also good if the manufacturer can use our own photos, as well as has an LED lighting option (which looks amazing with the splashback). A long experience is also essential. The only company in Ireland that offers 3D visualisations for customer is Prestiglass. They’re also one of not many doing print straight on toughened glass (NOT as a sticker), on a dearer type of glass (ultraclear), which gives better and brighter colours, either with a printed glass or one colour plain glass.

Tiles or Glass Splashbacks?

If you would like to save, if you don’t have or don’t want to spend time on cleaning and you like a modern look and style, you should go for the glass splashbacks, that are getting more and more popular, having a lot of advantages in comparison to standard tiles.

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POLWOODFLOORS WE SUPPLY AND FIT SOLID WOOD FLOORS in our offer we have parquet, herringbone, chevrone, panels made from oak, ash, doussie, iroko, Merbau, Palisander, Sucupira, Teak also we have in our offer 3D wood wall decoration panels

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polwoodfloors@gmail.com Summer 2017 Home & Build 07/07/2017 17:06

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Flogas LPG

Make the Smart Move to

FLOGAS THIS SUMMER Neven has recently made the smart move from oil to Flogas LPG for his home.

Neven said, “I’m so pleased that I made the switch from oil to gas heating.

We now have a cleaner and greener way of heating our home. It was so quick and easy, and I just love the control that we get from cooking with gas.”

Flogas LPG is already in thousands of homes throughout Ireland efficiently providing heating, hot water, cooking, gas fires and even gas tumbledrying.

LPG If your home is not on the natural gas grid, Flogas has a very special offer if you are converting from oil to gas or installing a gas heating system for the very first time. Sign up to Flogas LPG and you’ll not only get 1,200 litres FREE, we’re also offering a two-year interest-free loan of up to €3,000 to help with the cost of switching from oil to LPG (terms and conditions apply).

If you switch, you’ll benefit from our price freeze promise for the first 12 months and there’s also an easy payment plan available.

Customers also receive a free site survey, the removal and disposal of any existing oil tank and full system testing after installation.

Your LPG is conveniently stored in a tank beside your house and our remote monitoring system means you can rest assured that you’ll never run out of LPG. You’ll enjoy the convenience of our easy monthly payment

plans as well.

There has been a recent surge in the incidence of theft from residential oil tanks, which has left many owners out of pocket. With Flogas LPG, homeowners have peace of mind that their energy supply is secure and safe from theft.

Flogas Gaslight cylinders - The Lighter Way To Enjoy Summer The stylish and lightweight Flogas Gaslight cylinders are the smartest way to enjoy summer activities this year. Available in 5kg and 10Kg sizes, not only are the Flogas Gaslight cylinders about half the weight of the traditional steel cylinders, the semi-translucent exterior allows you to see exactly how much gas you have left. No more running out of gas when your local shop is closed.

Lightweight, portable and rustproof, the Flogas Gaslight cylinders are as safe as steel and won’t leave rust marks on patios or decks. They fit all leading brands of LPG appliances, making it ideal for caravans, campervans, motor homes, barbeques and patio heaters.

Call us anytime and discover how much Flogas can change your life for the better. Contact Customer Service on 041-9831041 or www.flogas.ie

Neven Maguire switched from oil to Flogas LPG for his home

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Model Karena Graham shows off the lightweight Flogas Gaslight cylinder

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Ideal Homes Show

S

ince then Ultan has honed his craft and has a strong focus on environmental issues which has developed as the core of his business acumen. Mr O’Lorcain wants to save the planet from the effects of climate change and the human race from self-imposed or accidental extinction. He is concerned about climate change and has a growing understanding that houses and other buildings account for 40% of all energy consumption and a third of carbon emissions nationally. He believes that passive construction

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if widely applied could fundamentally alter the world’s carbon balance. With this virtuous equation in mind, Ultan builds all of his homes to a passive standard and he is adamant that passive house building is the best building practice.

Having showcased one of his eco-friendly houses at the Ideal Home Show in the RDS recently, Ultan spoke to HOME & BUILD about the property in question. “For me, Passive is the way forward” he said. “With this house I wanted to showcase what a passive house really is and we took the opportunity to exhibit at the Ideal Home Show in the RDS to do

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Ideal Homes Show

Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Ultan O’Lorcain

“For me, passive is the way forward”

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THINKING

OUTSIDE THE BOX Limerick man Ultan O’Lorcain, founder of INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS doesn’t just want to change the way we build homes, he wants to turn it on its head!

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Ideal Homes Show

just that. We built the house in only four weeks and more than 30,000 people went through the house over the course of a three day weekend’’ said Ultan O’Lorcain of INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS. “Although the showhouse was displayed with only one bedroom, we have a number of additional two, three and four bedroom models built within the same square footage. If clients want to change any of our house models, I will chat with them about their needs and we can redesign the layout of the house to suit their needs.”

“Passive homes can be built at a reasonable cost compared to a standard house. But that’s where the costs stop and the savings begin. The savings to heat a Passive House compared to a traditional build is up to 90%. For every €100 that you’re currently spending to heat a standard house, would cost you €10 for a Passive House’’ explained Mr O’Lorcain. “We got a great reaction to the showhouse and I was overwhelmed by the response. Currently the house is taken apart and we’re speaking to somebody who is interested in buying it.

It can be easily reassembled and put wherever it needs to go.

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We use our own proprietary twin-wall timber frame system in the walls, this separates the interior wall from the exterior side and eliminates thermal breaches. We fill these large wall panels with 300mm of insulation. The building is then made airtight and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems are used to keep the interior air warm, fresh and healthy.

At INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS, we have created a new generation of Timber Frame prefab-ulous houses and extensions, that are not only beautifully designed, but they are also built to a very high standard, they’re more environmentally friendly than on-site builds – and incredibly quick to build.

For years many architects and builders have tried their hand at prefabricated homes. These modular, factory-built models have come in all shapes and sizes. But at INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS, the whole concept of prefabricated houses and extensions has been radically reinvented and repackaged as a series of innovatively designed, energy efficient and cleverly

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conceived modular structures that have found a new and discerning audience.

These are homes and extensions with fresh sophistication that have been intricately thought through, and have the design and quality of a beautifully engineered car. They are much more environmentally friendly than traditional block buildings and – unlike some of the previous generations of prefabs, which are little more than fancy sheds – our homes can be tailored and adapted according to the needs and desires of our clients.

Among the greatest temptations in taking the prefabricated route to a new home or extension are the twin delights of convenience and control. Anyone who has built a home for themselves, or even extended an existing house, will know that the road to architectural and building success can be littered with pitfalls, such as spiralling budgets, temperamental builders and long-lost deadlines. With a prefabricated home or extension, which is manufactured in our 20,000 sq. ft. factory just outside Armagh, and then brought to site in sections to be assembled according to a set time frame, these pitfalls essentially disappear.

“To build a passive house right now is nearly the same cost as a standard house, there may be a 5-10% difference on the cost of a standard house but the savings made from a passive house continue for years to come’’ concluded Ultan O’Lorcain.

CONTACT LIST DESIGN, BUILD AND INTERIORS: Ultan O’Lorcain, INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS, 38-39 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 083-4740907 www.innovativehomesolutions.ie info@innovativehomesolutions.ie INNOVATIVE HOME SOLUTIONS: 18 Seagahan Road, Armagh, BT60 2BH 0044-(0)2837551482 www.innovativehomesolutions.co.uk info@innovativehomesolutions.co.uk

“Our twin wall system is used on the walls.”

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DESIGN BUILD INTERIORS 



18 Seagahan Road, Armagh, BT60 2BH T: 028 3755 1482 /ROI: 048 3755 1482 E: info@innovativehomesolutions.co.uk www.InnovativeHomeSolutions.co.uk

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www.ceramicpro.ie ceramic.pro.ireland@gmail.com Summer 2017.indd 79

085 767 19 16 Ceramic-Pro-Ireland 07/07/2017 17:06

Dial before you dig!

You never know what’s below the surface. Digging into a gas pipeline can cause serious injury – even death. So before you break ground, always check the location of gas pipelines. It could save your life.

Email - dig@gasnetworks.ie or visit www.gasnetworks.ie/dial

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A world of bathrooms starting in Italy…

Proudly our 6,500 sq.ft. showroom is the largest in Ireland, show casing all the latest in bathroom and tile design. Whatever your taste or budget you’ll have a world of choice at Soaks Bathrooms. Call in today to

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view the latest in the Mastella range, a stunning Italian brand, exclusive to ourselves. Our bathroom and tile experts will inspire, advise and guide you through every stage of your new bathroom project.

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Renault KADJAR Crossover by Renault

From €249 per month Book a test drive at renault.ie Model shown: Renault KADJAR Signature Nav dCi 110, RRP €30,990. Price excludes metallic paint, delivery and dealer-related charges. Maximum recommended dealer delivery charge €750. 5-year/200,000km manufacturer’s warranty as standard. Finance example KADJAR Expression TCe 130. RRP €25,190. Deposit €8,416. Term 36 monthly payments of €229. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,999 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €10,378. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of Vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

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