WINNER of 'BEST HOUSE' 2014 at the Architecture Ireland Awards- RIAI

WINNER of 'BEST HOUSE' 2014 at the Architecture Ireland Awards- RIAI

ARCHITECT: Michael Kelly & Dan Costelloe

'A crisp and effective two story insert within the existing walls of a ruined 19th century farm building the project provides open and uncluttered domestic spaces of great charm. The free standing timber post and beam structural system provides a robust framework which allows for rich and innovative thinking throughout the planning organisation and the project’s sophisticated detail design development. Noteworthy are its beautiful roof lanterns and the clever use of interstitial space between old and new.'

The Cow House is a recently restored 19th Century farm building set in the grounds of June Blake's internationally acclaimed garden. This beautiful contemporary renovation was designed by Architect's Michael Kelly and Dan Costelloe. The Cow House has its own timber and glass elevation set back behind the restored granite elevation. It has an independent ground floor structure of timber posts, timber/steel flitch beams and timber joists, supporting first floor timber structural frames which in turn support the 15m long laminated timber ridge beam. This enables the rafters to span from the ridge to the walls permitting the roof space to accommodate two en-suite bedrooms. The partitions are formed from European birch faced plywood.

The ground floor is one space for cooking, dining and sitting. The floor is a heated polished concrete floor cast from local sand and granite. The floor steps as the original cow houses stepped. The kitchen island is formed from the same cast concrete. The granite walls on the east and south have been lined with solid Douglas Fir.

The stairs is baroque in conception and design. The lower section is formed from cast concrete, dense, solid and load bearing in contrast with the upper section, a semi solid hanging assembly of laminated plywood.

Upstairs there are two unique bedrooms with glass lined en suite bathrooms. Four bespoke roof lights allow light and sunshine to animate all spaces within the house.

The contemporary garden is set within the grounds of a Victorian Steward's house and farmyard. 'June Blake's Garden is that rare thing, a plant collector’s paradise with a strong design framework. The planting is bold, brave and brilliant.' Jane Powers, Sunday Times.' The effect is startling in it's beauty, like the spilt content's of a jewellery box'. Fionnula Fallon, The Irish Garden. ' June's new garden is a rare treat, a modern garden that draws in the visitor and wraps them in flowers, welcoming yet stylish, and an example of virtuoso design and expert plantsmanship.' Shirley Lanigan, The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland.

The Cow House is a dream location for garden lovers. It is within walking distance of the acclaimed Hunting Brook Garden owned by June’s brother Jimi. Russborough House and Garden is 5 only km from The Cow House. Other gardens within a short distance are Mount Usher, Powerscourt and The Dillon Garden. There are many other interesting private gardens which June has access to.

Activities within easy distance:

Hill walking / Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains

Water sports on Blessington Lake.

Punchestown Racecourse is 13 km, Curragh Racecourse is 30km, Leopardstown Racecourse is 25km

Golf courses – South County/ Lisheen Springs Golf Club is 3km, Citywest Golf Course is 6km, Palmerstown House 15km, K Club is 18km, Tulfarris Golf Club is 15km and many more within a short distance.

The amenities of Dublin City are a thirty minute drive.