Architect-designed, factory-built timber house near the beach

CO WATERFORD: €1.2M:THIS ARCHITECT-DESIGNED house was largely built in a factory by Griffner Coillte and delivered to site.

The single-storey Ballydavid, in Woodstown, Co Waterford, is for sale at €1.2 million through Property Partners Fogarty.

When the owners consulted architect David Smyth they requested a timber house and he responded with this traditionally shaped building that has an airy modern interior. Yet the exposed timber uprights and beams, within the bright, white space, gives the house a warm country feel.

The factory construction by Griffner Coillte (a partnership between Coillte, the Irish state forestry company, and Austrian modular buildings manufacturer GriffnerHaus which later bought out Coillte's stake) ensures that the joins between the building elements fit well, giving the house good airtightness. But the walls are breathable to prevent condensation and there is geothermal underfloor heating.

The 279sq m (2,800sq ft) house sits in six acres of land near Woodstown Beach and Waterford town is five miles away. The house has five double bedrooms, with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite attached to the main bedroom.

There is a sittingroom with an open fire, slate hearth and French doors onto decking and the south-facing garden. There is an overhanging roof outside so that you can enjoy the garden while being protected from rain.

The large kitchen/living and diningroom has floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, and an Aga and oak floor.

There is a pantry off the kitchen. There are two bathrooms in the house as well as a separate WC and there is also an office.

Outside is a building that contains a double-door garage, art studio and separate room with a WC and basin.

The company has built homes designed by a number of architects includingMurray O'Laoire and Matteo Thun and Rosie Webb in Oughterard.

Paul Leech is currently working on a GriffnerHaus structure in Meath.

Ballydavid,
Woodstown,
Co Waterford
Five-bedroom house with geothermal underfloor heating and timber frame
Agent:Property Partners Fogarty