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9/19/2011

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229 Comments

irish vernacular link

9/20/2011 08:21:12 pm

welcome!

nesrin

2/24/2012 09:34:02 pm

Many thanks for this- you are a star! I will let you know how I get on in building one in Turkey.
BW- nesrin

PeterC

2/26/2012 12:21:24 am

Wonderful stuff.

I wonder if white (or other somewhat reflective) cladding might be a better option in a sunny place like Turkey a cooling might be more of an issue than heating? Also some extra roof vents might help with (upwards stack effect) air movement on a hot day.

Dan Goldschmied

2/13/2013 11:51:56 pm

Hi Nesrin, how did your project work out?

Dan Goldschmied

2/13/2013 11:52:14 pm

Hi Nesrin, how did your project work out? Dan

john henshaw link

2/24/2012 10:20:59 pm

Just saw this article in the Guardian and having built my own studio in the garden years ago - am amazed at the clarity of the whole project. Its also very VERY good of you to make available the very clear and concise plans and i would personally wish to thank you for this.

Cye link

2/25/2012 10:06:30 pm

Dominic, thank you very much for sharing details of your fantastic self-build. Transition Derry kindly passed on the link, it's made my day!

Helena Appio

2/26/2012 02:06:32 am

Thank you, thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge, your house is wonderful and an inspiration, we've been wanting to self build for years but always were put off by the huge prices. The next problem of course now is to find land somewhere within reach of London for our jobs, perhaps we should look for a plot we can share with others. Anyway thanks again. xx

Robyn Mills

1/18/2014 07:23:32 pm

hi helena,
I am 21 and I am looking for the exact same answer as you and i am currently in conversation with a surrey boroughcouncil about doing just this. I am searching for a little community of people to be part of my idea of a self sufficient eco community within commuting distance to London. Dominics house has inspired my re the design would love to know what you think?
best wishes

ian little

2/26/2012 06:22:04 pm

I have just read the article in 'The Guardian' about your place in Leitrim. It seems to be an answer to many of our concerns these days. I thought your comments about how some people locally understood what you were about, because they too had built their own homes, was most interesting, and also having a place which was warm and dry - a roof over one's head - harked back to a fundamental with which we have lost touch. A heartening piece.

John McKee

2/26/2012 11:06:07 pm

Have a look at page 50 of this March's New Internationalist to see the native Ecuadorean version of Dominic's house

adrian

2/27/2012 02:33:29 am

hi. great house like a farm building. I have never built a house but i live with the view of , one day. Im a fan of walter segal and you plans are the best that i have ever seen. Its great that you can share your work with us. Well done. I have downloaded the pdf files. Thanks Adrian

Lorn

2/27/2012 09:15:08 am

Just wondering why the outer membrane is necessary? I understand that the inner membrane is a vapor barrier to stop warm moist air from the interior causing dampness if it were allowed to escape to the cold parts, and the roofing material the building is covered in will keep the rain off, so why the outer membrane? Hope someone might be able to answer this.

Will giles

3/19/2012 01:40:37 am

If no one has yet answered your question the inner membrane next to the plasterboard would be for draughtproofing so that cold air coming into the interior can be controlled.

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:42:39 am

you are more or less correct, the outer blue membrane deals with drips and water blowing in during extreme weather , inside is a vapour barrier and airtightness
membrane....

Robert

3/15/2012 07:33:40 pm

I simply feel inspired. What else can I say. Thank you.

Matt Kirby

3/18/2012 05:06:07 pm

Good morning,

I loved the house project as reported in the Guardian.

I have to build one in my Cornish Garden, it would be a perfect annexe to serve sons and a daughter, mothers-in-laws, cousins, a university lecturer and a podiatrist.

Thanks for your group wisdom, enthusiasm and all of the details.

Okay Cornwall County Council planning, here I come!

Kind regards,

Matt Kirby

Norbert

3/27/2012 03:46:59 pm

Amazing idea and unprecedented generosity , considering the times we live in.....! I'm off discussing with my partner.....:)

Carlo

3/27/2012 08:05:34 pm

Great work!

Dennis Wright Greenpeat link

3/30/2012 06:41:45 pm

I'm a thatcher in Co. Mayo. I'm building a thatched, hexagonal garden shed at the moment, with thatched walls and floor, based around a timber structure using coppiced ash poles. Ongoing photos are being collected and diagrams will be published in time on my website, www.greenpeat.webs.com

In the next year I intend building a larger structure on bogland in Roscommon kindly donated by a friend. This will include cob in its structure. The design will contain no plastic or man made materials, staying dry by way of its weather protection from an overhanging thatch and by it being raised off the ground. This will be the prototype for the design of a habitable house fully compliant with building regulations but containing 100% natural materials, even if the rules have to be rewritten to accommodate such futuristic green ideas. The Chief Planner has already promised to give such ideas serious consideration. Watch this space! Hopefully we can share ideas and knowledge as things develop.

Stewart Lecky

9/15/2012 12:38:09 am

Hi Dominic, I remember meeting you - at Justin & Marina's Shannon House, I think, which would have been c.2000. This is a beautiful and generous thing; thank you for putting it up. I've posted a link to this on the residents page for Woodbrook "Eco" Village in Lisburn - as we need a lift given our present struggles with several things not least our willow burning biomass district heating and the unfinished picture we are left to work with.

Regards, Stewart

Carolyn

10/2/2012 12:40:29 am

Really inspired by your whole project and ethos Dominic. Thought I'd try onduline roofing for my garage conversion but find it's not possible to fix insulated skylights e.g. velux. Any ideas? I intend to insulate the single block walls and the roof.
I'm then thinking of extending my very small house to make a kitchen/living area. Apart from planning hurdles (black? in Donegal?!) would there be any problems tying this to the existing building?
I am definitely not able for DIY so have to pass all information onto my builder.
And, just to update you, the price of onduline from Irish Insulations is now at €13.00 a sheet!
All tips much appreciated. Carolyn

Michael Montgomery

12/15/2012 05:29:47 am

I've used velux windows with onduline, speak to velux they have a flashing kit for corrugated profiles and you will find cad details on their web site

Carolyn Norgate

10/2/2012 08:22:17 pm

Hallo Dominic. Just testing as I can't seem to get my comments submitted and not sure what I'm doing wrong. Carolyn

Sunlover

3/13/2013 08:15:48 am

This just made my day - how fantastic!
It's so refreshing to see a creative, workable solution to what's becoming an increasingly more depressing problem.
Thanks for sharing :-)

Paul Rumgay

10/29/2013 07:01:23 am

What is your estimated life expectatancy of the house?

nicolas

12/31/2013 05:26:57 am

hi! I just want to ask you if you ever think to use solar energy to have electricity in your homemade house? thanks for answer

Padraic OB

2/12/2014 05:03:52 am

Can I visit this building to see it.

Mark link

10/10/2015 01:49:26 am

Richard

9/21/2011 05:38:20 am

A wonderful project, something which might be of more than theoretical interest in the present, but we would like to know the name(s) of the brain(s) behind all this......
Thanks.

Sinead link

9/22/2011 01:01:02 am

Hi Dominic, thank you so much for sharing all this, it is very inspirational and congratulations on realising your project. Where would I find a copy of your book?

Matt Gardner

9/23/2011 06:29:15 pm

Hi Dominic, your house is great! I love its simplicity and efficiency. This website as an extension proves you are a man of impeccable taste and principle! Fair play and well done. ~:)

Finbarr Stewart

9/26/2011 08:39:29 pm

Hi Dominic

You've planted a seed. May 1000 flowers bloom.

Martin

9/28/2011 06:04:58 am

Hi Dominic

Did you need planning permission for this build?

Fantastic project, congratulations.

Paula

9/28/2011 08:28:14 pm

Hi Dominic,
Thank you very much for such detailed and understandable information! Would you estimate labour costs to be around (or more than) material costs for someone who would need to employ skilled labour at more stages of the build than you might have needed...?

David Pearson link

9/30/2011 02:11:44 am

Absolutely brilliant!!!

The step by step guide is wonderful, just like the house it’s perfectly simple, honest and beautifully crafted by the hands of the author.

I loved mimetic house but the simplicity, honesty and affordability of this project is so current and an inspiration to all us 30 something’s with mill-stone mortgages around our necks.

Fantastic house for all the right reasons.

I’m off to start my foundations now…’string (nylon) check’.

molly

10/3/2011 08:12:24 pm

I just love your house, iand it is my dream home of the future. incentive to buy a site and get my dream build ASP. First resident building thats made me feel exciting.

Conor Meehan

10/4/2011 02:10:36 am

Exciting house! Do you still have a practise? And if yes where can I contact you?

Guy Barriscale

10/8/2011 07:25:00 pm

hi Dominic
Massive congrats. Have a place in Leitrim and this is what I want do as well.
How are the planning people?
Guy

jojoire

10/8/2011 09:49:07 pm

Hi Dominic,

I love it...well done

Tony

10/8/2011 10:42:55 pm

saw this maybe 2 years ago, inspiration then but huge inspiration now as I'm half way through something similar on handy budget...I want my independence for needing huge money to have basic life needs fulfilled...Also being an artist/graphic designer I really appreciate that stuff doesn't need to cost a lot in order to look well. Also you can always make improvements form your lived experience as you go along...Thanks a million for being an decent voice in all this mainstream shite that people have come to accept. I just want things done for the benefit of people to have good lives, rather than solely for profit.

Andy

10/8/2011 11:41:17 pm

A really excellent concept. Your sums are quite generous and I think it could be done maybe 3k cheaper. The only snag is finding the land. Any advice where suitable sites might be found and the likely hurdles with planning?

Mira

2/26/2012 05:02:08 am

What a great project, building your house. I agree with Andy, finding a building plot might be. Huge hurdle.

niall martin

10/9/2011 05:00:09 am

Hey Dominic, just saw an article in the sunday times and have been going through the website. Wow is anyone woking on this or a similar project? Would love to hear practical details of how the work progresses. Was planning permission necessary? A beautiful inspirational project. Would love to follow your lead!!!

Miquel

10/9/2011 05:11:44 am

Congratulations Dominic, sharing is caring, thanks a million for it. Enjoy your house.

Ann Marie

10/9/2011 05:28:06 am

Love your house, small, simple and perfect. Hopefully will do the same some day!

Gerard

10/9/2011 07:16:31 am

Your a legend!I made a model of Mimetic House at college as a precedent its a cool building and concept but this one seems warmer in more senses than one! This is inspirational stuff lets spread the word

Greg Whelan

10/9/2011 08:00:02 am

Dominic
Well done, a fantastic inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing

Pat Irwin

10/9/2011 08:31:28 am

Dominic,
Think i saw your house on Room to Improve. Im a reader of Segal and have seem his houses in London. I love the simpilicity of the plans and the step bt step is well thought out. Being used to working in timber i caould see the house taking shape in my head and my imagination. For the man or woman with no experience of timber, nails, nuts and bolts, it may seem too simple !! It really puts to bed all the baloney about houses in Ireland and you have hit the nail on the head as in being duped ! I can see warmth, coziness, great use of space and use of local suppliers and sawmills.
What is the timber used? Irish grown spruce ?
Your house is a revelation, both in price and in functionality. I loved the architrave and coving!
Congratulations for keeping it simple,

Teresa Kavanagh. link

10/9/2011 08:03:20 pm

Hi Dominic ,
Thank you for sharing your inspirational idea's and your house plans with us ,this is part of a movement which people long for, sharing information ,bartering ,sharing skills etc ,it is truly altruistic ,
Well Done .
Q Is it difficult to get planning permission ?
Q Will I be able to have that as an extension on to an existing house currently being used as a garage ?
Best ,
Teresa

Dominic

4/23/2012 05:56:12 am

planning is really as per any house, the black Walls are a bit challenging to a planner though, you explain them as environmentally intelligent, and the building disappears in the distance. Buying a site depends on where you can live, counties like Leitrim are very cheap but only good if you work alot from home. The design could be modified as an extension

Simon Bates

10/9/2011 10:28:12 pm

Hi Dominic,
Thanks for taking the time to share your inspirational ideas, knowledge, and experience with us all.
Best Wishes,
Simon.

mulligan

10/10/2011 04:07:26 am

Great idea. was wondering if it is likely that you would get planning permission for such a house in urban dublin?

The final cost for someone non skilled would also be interesting. Would say €5000 for architect fees , €15,000 to €20,000 for builder and €10,000 to €15,000 for planning levies bring the total to c. €50,000 to 60,000 be reasonable assumption for 600 sq.ft house in city.

Also what is the life span of such a house? Can exterior be altered or differnt finish used?

Dominic

4/23/2012 05:59:25 am

the exterior can be altered, it could be anything really.
You might be a bit light money wise. I reckon 1/3 material to 2/3 labour on a conventionally built project that's like €75,000 plus development levies etc...

Kate Hynes

10/10/2011 06:28:29 am

hi Dominic,
Isn't it lovely to consider having a home without the noose of awful repayments!? I am wondering if you have insured this house? I have a timber home and am finding it difficult to find an insurance company that will take it on?

Dominic

4/23/2012 06:04:33 am

Insurance is not 100% straightforward. Lloyds underwriters have a special policy for non standard houses, the policy was designed for thatch houses initially. I can
check my brokers name if you get back to me. It's only a little pricier than a normal policy....

Dominic

4/23/2012 06:04:38 am

Anne link

10/10/2011 11:08:36 am

Thank you for publishing your stuff online...had a wonderful night's reading and it was inspiring, different and beautifully put together. Your project was mentioned on Highland Radio (The Red Room, afternoon discussion show) and like every other client on your blog would love to know where to buy your book (for my son...know he would love it).Bless you and thanks!

Dominic

4/23/2012 06:08:28 am

its out off print -- aargh!
I'm researching getting it reprinted though.
Funny though, I printed 500 am delighted all sold, then put up this website and have had about upto about 200,000 hits I think, might put more up as a PDF to print?

ross lee

10/12/2011 11:00:47 pm

hello dominic. my sister put me on to your site ,god bless her.I am glad she did. it helps confirm my own thoughts what it means to have a home rather than own a house. That we all have a choice in,where,what and how we want to live.thank you for doing what you do and I hope more people take noitice.

Nuala

10/14/2011 03:13:25 am

Hi Dominic,
I read the article in the Sunday Times then visited the website. Really interesting and practial stuff. Thanks for making the house plans for all to use freely. It shows great community spirit!

I'm also interested in what the life span of the house would be and can the exterior be clad in different materials?

Melinda

10/18/2011 05:34:16 am

Hi Dominic I LOVE YOUR HOME!!! my husband and I have been toying with the idea of doing the same for a while and we are so happy to see this website as we love your ideas on an easier way of life and bringing us all back down to earth and enjoying the simpler things in life.. My parents have a house just above your Mimetic house and I have always said I would love to work with you on our project you really are an inspiration.. Also on a practical not my hubbys 6ft 4" would he fit upstairs!!!

Dominic

4/23/2012 06:11:31 am

we would have to raise the roof!

scott christensen . tasmania

10/22/2011 08:15:33 am

hi dominic

thankyou for a fantastic generous gemstone of a website. your words and buildings have already inspired many of us far and wide. i look forward to spreading your thoughts to our archi students and my green toed friends down here.

John

10/26/2011 01:59:42 am

Hi Dominic,

Thanks so much for this, it’s definitely an idea I will keep in mind for the future. I absolutely love the shape and form of the building, it simplicity and the fact it can almost all be made from locally sourced materials.

Have to commend you on getting the house to look like Irish vernacular, speaking from someone who completed a thesis on the importance of Irish vernacular, I can tell you I came across some terrible modern examples.
This one is simply refreshing only wish

I could have included it in my research.

Keep up the good work.

Pat

12/17/2011 02:41:38 am

A great reference for anyone who is considering a self build, myself included. A very open and much appreciated resource. Thank you.

Walter

1/11/2012 06:23:08 pm

Congratulations !!!!!! This is a fantastic concept and realisation.

John

1/25/2012 03:24:12 am

Hello Dominic,
Love your houseas reported in the Sunday Times.
The project interests me greatly and I would like to contact you further, is this possible?
Thank you.

Michael Stephens

2/24/2012 02:25:06 pm

This is ingenious, practical and really lovely. It is something I have been talking about for a long time - affordable, cheap housing. I really like the way you incorporated certain Irish architectural 'values' into the overall design and execution of your plan. This is very inspiring, an architecture of hope, if you ask me. Well done!

Irénée Scalbert

2/24/2012 04:08:02 pm

I like your house and I would be glad to live in it. And I appreciate the no-nonsense spirit and the openness of the venture. This is great.
Vernacular architecture and the knowledge that is vested in it are much underrated. To this day it remains to a large extent the architecture of the 99%. While the ambitions of architects have been concentrated on the architecture of the 1%.
But does this architecture need to be "Irish"? Does it need a "tradition"? For sure architecture requires knowledge - your house is a case in point. But even more so, architecture is justified by the expansion of this knowledge. Above all it is about invention. No invention, no pleasure, and no job!

Veta_D

2/24/2012 05:35:53 pm

Your house is so simple and funny outside, but inside it looks nicely. Is it comfortably to live in it? I am sorry, I found it a little strange for my taste...

Malcolm Lambe link

2/24/2012 07:57:22 pm

Dude...really like what you've done. I'm in a suburb just out of Gay Paree stripping back an old French shitter of 1930. But eventually I'd like to build a holiday house on the South Coast and this is very inspiring. Reminds me of The Whole Earth Catalogue or The Complete Idiots Guide to the Volkswagen - both from the Sixties.

I've whacked this up on facebook and I'm about to Tweet it as well.

cheers,

TheCopyNazi

Jon Bailey

2/25/2012 04:59:07 am

Really exciting project. Would love to do this. Has anyone in England realised this project? A home of my own - very heaven.

cathy briel

2/25/2012 07:38:10 pm

.could you tell me if onduline is expensive,and where to source it Thanx. think what youv done is fantastic and thanx for sharing it

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:40:02 am

its €8 per sheet from Irish insulations if you are in ireland, if you are uk check their website. Irish insulations sometimes try to charge €16 per sheet but they know you can get it from Europe for €8 on a pallet... Rip off ireland!

Chris Morus link

3/5/2016 06:29:26 am

Onduline seems to almost twist & deform over time, well that was my experience. Great build, easily modified & subtly changed. Only just seeing it on Pinterest, so perhaps new fans could be drawn to your excellent design Dominic?

sandro link

2/25/2012 08:37:15 pm

thank you so much for sharing this with the world. I love your house, and your philosophy! Truly inspirational at these tough times.

fidel

2/26/2012 11:06:31 pm

so true, this world has become so spiritless and bureaucratic. it's wonderful to see something that empowers people at a basic level. i come from a poor country and this is going to be a revolution for most of us.

Dan Early Mexico City

2/25/2012 10:46:52 pm

I enjoyed your clear photos and descriptions of the owner built tradition. Here in Mexico we built a small house of cement block using a traditional design with tile roof and wooden windows and a small porch. Most people build cement boxes with flat cement foofs and aluminum windows. The neighboor admired the house and wanted to know where the design came from. We said from here! Thanks for the inspiration.

Andrew

2/26/2012 05:35:44 am

Found this after Saturday's Guardian article. Thank you soooooo much for a fantastic set of resources, very inspiring. Like John, I'm looking to build a garden studio and this has provided the inspiration I need at a fraction of the cost.

Peter Alan Holden link

2/26/2012 07:39:04 pm

Hi Dominic,
This has to be my next project.
I am now looking for land.
Also found in Saturday's Guardian article.
A perfectly planned and designed dwelling.
What else would one need?
I feel inspired.
Best,
Peter

Simon Bogle

2/26/2012 08:18:43 pm

Hi Dominic,
Also found this in the Guardian Weekend 25.02.12.
Thank you for this really inspiring project for an affordable, DIY house.
We've been struggling to work out how to afford to self-build a house in rural Scotland for several years. 4 years ago we commissioned an architect to design an affordable, self-buildable, reasonably eco-friendly family home, for our rural plot. His design was steel framed and rigid corrugated fibre board (Eternit by Marley) clad, for which we got planning permission, but the banking crisis hit just before we started to build and the building society withdrew the funding - design too radical! We also realised too late that actually the design was not particularly self-buildable, eco-friendly or cheap! Been stuck in our temporary shed/caravan accommodation on site since.
Love this design and the ethos and especially the affordability and self-build simplicity, but doubt the local council planners (Angus) would allow it here.
Anyway, I hope this helps many people avoid the mortgage trap and gain the life-enhancing satisfaction of creating their own home!

Andy

2/26/2012 09:34:50 pm

Read your piece in the Guardian this weekend. Always thought it could be done and now I now it can! Fantastic and inspirational, Dominic.
Did you insulate under the floors and between the roof joists as well?

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:36:13 am

yes

Conor

2/27/2012 02:03:33 am

Maith thú Dominic, tá sé iontach go bhfuil tú ag roinnt d'fhís agus d'obair linn ar fad. Comhghairdeas agus gach rath! Fair play.

Jonathan Deacon link

2/27/2012 04:16:22 am

Hello Dominic,
So inspiring to read the article in Guardian Weekend and your books on the website which I found most informative.
I am an Architectural Technician operating mainly in Kent and have been involved for many years in designing porticoes and timber conservatories as well as the odd house extension and a major concern of mine is obtaining planning permission.
It seems, particularly in this part of the country, that there is real resistance to Vernacular buildings or indeed any sort of eco homes.
I wonder if you have any advice for people like myself who would enjoy so much to build my own home in an area of the country where I live and work, but where I suspect there would be real planning issues.
Is this a project that you think could transfer from rural Ireland to the over crowded and over priced south east of England. I would very much appreciate any advice you may be able to offer regarding this.
Jonathan

Lorn

2/27/2012 09:13:02 am

paula smith link

2/28/2012 06:33:18 am

Thanks for htis fantastic information. The project reminds me of Dualchas's work in the Hebrides. I'll buy you lunch.
Epic,
Paula, London Fields, London

Nick

2/29/2012 08:26:15 pm

Interesting but of limited potential in most parts of the UK owing to building land costs and the challenges of gaining planning permission.
Also, a little naive to ignore market forces as a cause of the Irish property bubble.

Alan McLeod link

3/1/2012 06:54:18 am

Hi Dominic,
Thank you for sharing this project "your home with us" I love everthing about it, interior and exterior and inspires me to start saving and planning for my one! Thank you, "artist based in dublin"

Richard

3/3/2012 06:11:36 pm

Inspiring indeed! Really interested in the books - tell us more!

Victoria Smith

3/3/2012 08:42:35 pm

Hello, My husband and I found your article in the Guardian very inspiring. We have been discussing self build for a few years but never felt that we could commit to the scale of some of the projects we have seen. However, your beautiful home fits in with our values and philosophy and has sparked our interest again. One thing we were wondering was how it works with electricity and gas, can you be connected? how easy is this? did you employ professionals for this part of the build?

thank you for sharing and inspiring so many people.

Victoria

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:26:43 am

connections are like in any house. Yes I employed a plumber and an electrician to do their work, professionals have to do this!

Izzie

3/3/2012 09:21:28 pm

Your house is amazing. Thank you very much for sharing, this is truly humanity at it's best!
Bless you.

Jonathan Deacon link

3/4/2012 07:33:55 pm

Like most comments before, I have been greatly inspired by Dominic's amazing building and wonderful generosity in sharing it's desighn, but I wonder if there are any other people like me who are finding it difficult to purchase land in the south east of England on which to construct such a dwelling. Might it be easier for a group of like minded people to pool skills and resources to purchase property and build several houses.
Jonathan

stephen maas

3/4/2012 07:46:01 pm

How can I get in contact with you? I have a few questions to ask! Many thanks for your house, S

Jonathan Deacon link

3/4/2012 09:43:12 pm

Hi Stephen, my personal email is jonathan_deacon@btconnect.com and you are very welcome to contact me, I am a bit worried about posting my address or mobile no for obvious reasons.

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:24:04 am

just contact me here, I will reply!

Peter Alan Holden link

3/4/2012 08:01:04 pm

I like Jonathan Deacon's thought.
Any one else interested in forming a kind of cooperative to find land and get something more organised?

Jonathan Deacon link

3/4/2012 08:21:45 pm

Further to my earlier comments regarding shared interest in procuring potential building plots and building skills, if anyone wishes to contact me directly, my email address is : - jonathan_deacon@btconnect.com

pete link

3/5/2012 12:22:42 am

excellent build J and a good article in the Guardian too. Main problem in sussex, uk is finding the land as others have said. I wonder if a few more photos would be possible - particularly of the inside upstairs? thanks and best wishes

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:21:28 am

im working on that, will be up soon!

michelle

3/11/2012 01:11:44 am

Great project, Dominic. Thank you so much for sharing this. I always knew it could be done, just didn't have the skills to do it.

Michelle

Federica

4/18/2012 08:24:11 pm

Thank you so much for all this info, very much appreciated... and many compliments for your beautiful home!!

Michela link

4/18/2012 08:38:24 pm

Dear Dominic, you rock. That's it. Is it available any publications of this amazing experience?
Many thanks for the whole concept including this blog.

Dominic

4/22/2012 03:18:07 am

thanks!

Portia

4/28/2012 03:57:18 pm

Hey, Dominic.

Love your house, and the story of building it. Did you install an HRV system, or do the materials vent enough moisture on their own?

Thanks!

dominic stevens

4/30/2012 07:23:47 am

it stays very dry simply by being breathable, i must say i think mechanical ventilation is a gross over complication for the temperate Irish climate. We should make simple houses!

Martin Mulligan Architect

4/30/2012 01:03:46 am

Hi Dominic, an inspiring project, hopefully this approach may become more mainstream in the future. We are using similar principles in 'Green Build' workshops here in Kilkenny and hoping to create a demonstration 'house' later this year. Would there be any opportunity to visit and discuss design and material details with you, are you planning any open days or training sessions in the future?
Many thanks.

Martin

dominic

4/30/2012 07:27:00 am

you are very welcome to call sometime, I would love to here more about your workshops... I did one recently in the eco village in cloughjordan where they are hoping to start a self-build co-op project, just tell me when...

Jim, Naas, Co. Kildare link

5/12/2012 11:18:38 pm

Hi Dominic
The whole concept and project is inspiring. How having your own place does not necessarily mortgaging your entire family's future. Can you put up more photos generally, particlarly of the intererior..bathroom, bedrooms, pod kitchen, porch area?? Also a youtube Vid would be also be great. Thanks again, Jim

John

5/13/2012 10:06:36 pm

Hi Dominic
I've just bought an old cottage in N Leitrim to refurbish and extend - basically following your house design for the extension. Is there any chance you could visit and advise on how to insulate the cottage? My email is johnkeenlyside1@gmail.com
best regards, John

patrick

5/20/2012 07:33:15 am

like your ideas very much. I'm about to sign with an architect with the intention of building in the same way. I have a good sized plot on my property just hope planning are helpful. i am a joiner/furniture maker but wish i was also an architect/surveyor (could save a few bob) but not enough years in ones life to learn it all. Many thanks for your logic and creativity. patrick

boris borgato link

5/27/2012 12:55:15 am

I really love your project!
I hope that it could be the first of economic - bio - wooden - house's series.
Have you try to find some financing to expand your project all over the world?
I also like your idea to use the web for share structures and sketches.
You make me smile and hopeful.
A great hug from Italy!

Albane

5/29/2012 07:38:25 am

Hello Dominic, Could you let know if any of those books are available? and where to purchase it? I really would love to read it... Thank you! :)

Andrew Marquard

6/22/2012 07:53:51 am

Dominic - great site, great house. Am a little puzzled by something - the house in this article - http://openbuildings.com/buildings/stevens-house-profile-41356 - which is definitely also your house - and of which there is a plan in your book "domestic" - is this a predecessor to the current house? what motivated you to switch to the new house? Thanks, Andrew

dominic stevens link

7/4/2012 04:44:47 am

I separated from my wife!

Paul Gilligan

6/30/2012 09:09:03 pm

Hi Dominic,
My name is Paul and I am currently studying a masters of architecture: advanced environmental and energy studies at the centre for alternative technology in wales. I am writing a thesis about straw bale construction and ways of potentially improving the process through the cladding of straw bales.
I was hoping to send you a questionnaire or chat about this form of construction particularly in relation to the hedgerow house.

Kind regards
Paul

Ellen Remenchik

7/4/2012 12:08:27 am

We have 188 acres in east Texas and have a large house in town we wish to sell - I love your detailed instructions as we have been wanting to build a cabin on our property...and one dream I have is an artist's community..with an artist's residency program - and many artists coming in and out of perhaps 4 or more of these kinds of buildings - "Landscape and modern art" community (east Tx piney woods are pretty though not spectacular as we have only hills, ponds and lakes, not mountains. I am a physician and can't semi retire to work on these projects for a few years...but hope springs eternal!

Tacoma Girls link

7/9/2012 02:57:25 am

Great site, was just reading and doing some work when I found this page

Eimear Gallagher link

7/24/2012 04:30:39 am

I live in an original irish vernacular in south tipperary, extended, rebuilt, and it's truly lovely, but I dream of selling, relocating and self-building one like this in different place ........ dreams are possible, dreams are what keep me sane. Thanks a mill for sharing. Best of luck.

Mary

8/16/2012 12:41:22 am

Hi Dominic, I'm living in Co. Leitrim and have known of your house for some time, but just now have looked at the detailed drawings for the first time. So exciting and encouraging! Thank you so much for making them available.

rosie daniels link

8/18/2012 08:21:31 pm

How much more expensive would it be to make the house 12ft wide and 36ft long? 3650 x10950.

Carol Miers link

8/27/2012 01:00:16 am

Hello, Has someone else built this house and was it not too hard? I have not built one before and I am in France but I am keen to get started and cannot afford to pay someone the whole way through the project. Thanks

Carol Miers

9/15/2012 12:42:42 am

O´Campo

9/22/2012 09:10:42 pm

GRACIAS AMIGO!!!

Carolyn Norgate

10/2/2012 08:08:49 pm

Very inspired by your project and whole ethos Dominic. Am wondering if I can use the idea to add an extension to my existing house if I can tie it in and get it past planning (Donegal!!). Meanwhile thought I'd try the onduline for the roof of an outhouse conversion (single block/tinroof) and assumed I could have double glazed skylights, lke velux ( I'm making a studio). I now learn the onduline compatible skylights are only single glaze. I'm intending to insulate the roof and walls (Kingspan?). Any suggestions around this? I'm likely to run into the same problem with my extension roof.
I'm well past my DIY prime so am having to lead my builder gently along this path. All suggestions welcome.
By the way Onduline sheets are now €13 at irish Insulations, but very good people to deal with. Thanks, Carolyn

Michael Montgomery

12/15/2012 05:34:26 am

Carolyn,
As above velux can be used with this product email if you would like some photos.

Regards
Michael

Carolyn

2/12/2013 10:03:24 pm

Yes pictures please Michael - thank you for replying and sorry for slow response. My builder's hibernating right now so it gives me time to gather more info to convince him this will work. I contacted Velux direct and they confirmed Velux was ok so I now have the windows.

Michael

1/14/2014 03:38:44 am

Caroline could you send me an email to archmoco at yahoo dot co dot uk and I can forward photos

Self Build Portal link

10/14/2012 08:43:05 pm

Hello there, we'd really like to produce a short case study on this for the Self Build Portal. Please drop us a line with your contact details - we can do it all via phone/email. Many thanks.

Ted Stevens link

12/16/2012 07:46:46 pm

Dominic - very keen to feature your place on the Self Build portal website - it's the main independent site for self builders in the UK. There's no cost: just need perhaps half an hour on the phone to ask a few questions. Can you let me know best number to call you on?
Thanks

Louise Ward

1/5/2013 09:14:30 pm

We were so inspired by your house. We have land on a small scottish island and have looked at other low cost options such as SIPs and modular timber but we need an 'artic' for the delivery and there is no roll on roll off ferry. We have looked at the plans but cannot seem to figure out the room dimensions, could you possible give us some idea, also of the head height of the upper room, I have a 6'4" husband. I am going to contact the local planning and ask them to look at your designs - hopefully one day we will have the most northerly house of its type!

Rosemary Orr

1/25/2013 03:09:44 am

Hallo Dominic,

terrific stuff!

Looking to get in touch with you ... if you have a moment, maybe you can mail me a telephone number and I'll call?
R.

dominic stevens

1/26/2013 11:54:50 pm

I will send that on, though I have no mail for you, so I have facebooked Roisin for details....

ted stevens

1/29/2013 10:46:20 pm

Did you get proposed text for Self Build portal case study? Any tweaks required? Can you let me know the photographer's details

Margaret

2/1/2013 12:34:36 am

Hi Dominic I've just inherited land in Kerry and would love to relocate back home from London. Your website is very inspiring! Do you know if its possible to make the property slightly bigger? Are you available to work on new projects? It's a beautiful site that's been in my family for a very long time. I look forward to hearing from you. Best Margaret.

Conor

2/12/2013 06:38:50 pm

Hi Dominic,
Fabulous house, I love the simplicity and minimalism. Great website too.
On the flooring, was the panelvents and the breathable membrane installed under the floor?

Dan Goldschmied link

2/13/2013 11:47:17 pm

Hi Dominic,

Irish Vernacular is awesome. Could I please have a number or email address to contact you?

Best wishes,
Dan

dominic

2/14/2013 12:52:25 am