News

Spectacular Portrush home to feature on Grand Designs

The Portrush home set to feature on Channel 4's Grand Designs
The Portrush home set to feature on Channel 4's Grand Designs The Portrush home set to feature on Channel 4's Grand Designs

WITH panoramic views of the Portrush peninsula and Atlantic Ocean, a spectacular new house on the north coast is set to feature on Grand Designs tomorrow.

Three years in the making, the project saw a 100-year-old stone forge transformed into a modern property fit for a family.

Kevin McCloud, presenter of the Channel 4 programme, visited the 'Ballymagarry Project' several times to follow its progress.

The property, which has stunning views stretching as far as the Donegal headlands, had been lying derelict for years.

But homeowner Michael Howe, a partner in 2020 Architects in Ballymoney, set about creating an impressive modern extension with double height spaces and floor to ceiling windows.

"The site on which our home is located is one of the most picturesque on the north coast," he said.

"I fell in love with the views a long time ago but as it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, I knew that planning permission could be a challenge."

Mr Howe chose only to use local suppliers for the build and to ensure the home was future proofed by making it highly energy efficient, including the use of 300 straw bales for insulation.

"Over the years, I've become well used to designing homes that are sympathetic to their surroundings and it’s one of our strengths at 2020 Architects," said Mr Howe.

"I was confident that I could design our dream family home, that would be both in-keeping with its beautiful surroundings, yet be a bastion for the best of modern design.

"The structure is more typically northern European yet I was determined to use local craftspeople to deliver as many elements of the build as possible.

"At the 11th hour, Glenfort Timber Engineering in Co Tyrone produced five spruce 'glulam' arched frames that are central to the home's design and remain exposed within the building’s interior.

"From Kells, Creative Joinery Worx also played a key role in creating the specialist joinery for the windows, floors and staircase, all of which add to the design element of our home."

Despite several challenges, including increasing budgets, the spectacular building is now the family home of Mr Howe, wife Michele and their two children.

Grand Designs is on Channel 4 tomorrow at 9pm.