Dublin Design Studio 'Logo' shown in black

Galtee Lodge, Howth

A passive house located in a prime of Howth, Dublin

Exterior view of the front of the 'Galtee Lodge' designed by 'Dublin Design Studio'.

Project Description

This substantial house was designed to take full advantage of this fantastic site and the uninterrupted views that it offers over Howth harbour and towards Ireland’s Eye and Lambay. 


Approached from the North, the site rises by a full storey from the front to the back of the garden affording an opportunity to create a two-storey dwelling with essentially two ground floors, both connecting directly to adjoining gardens. 


Respecting the topology of the site and its surrounding context, the dwelling has been set into the sloping site allowing two storeys to be presented to the street front and a single storey to the rear.


This design strategy was adopted to allow the main living spaces, which are located at the upper level, to open directly out onto a large private back garden to the South and also enjoy the generous terrace which has the benefit of the spectacular views to the front. 


A very generous open plan kitchen-living-dining room running front to back takes up the majority of this upper level.  With high-level clerestory windows and a vaulted ceiling, the space is bright and spacious with uninterrupted panoramic views out to Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island.  Large sliding doors allow the main living spaces to spill out onto the large terrace to the front and the extensive use of frameless glass balustrades ensures that the terrace is sheltered without obstructing any of the views.


A separate more intimate family room shares a double-fronted log burning stove with the main living space and also gains access to the large terrace.  The double-height master bedroom suite is also located at the upper level and has access to its own private terrace.


By locating the family bedrooms and playroom in a staggered arrangement at street level, the scale of the house is fragmented and further integrated into the site and streetscape.  Each of the five family bedrooms opens directly to the outside and enjoy the spectacular views.


Inside the front door is a spectacular bespoke curved glass and steel stair set within a walnut panelled entrance hall beautifully lit with natural daylight from the clerestory glazing above. With extensive use of timbers including walnut and oak, the choice of materials internally is natural and textured delivering a sense of warmth and luxury.


The house is very energy efficient and has a low level of energy consumption. This was achieved through the use of high levels of insulation and particular attention to airtightness allowing the internal environment of this large house to be kept comfortable with a very minor heat load.  Solar water heating also makes this a very cost-effective house to live in.



The Irish Independent property section recently ran a feature about this particular house, learn more here

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