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Show 6 - The Lyons Family
Charlotte and Jimmy Lyons live in Bettystown, Co. Meath. The house is situalted on 1˝ an acres. They both adore the view of the Irish Sea and the garden runs down to a 7 mile sandy beach but they feel that the grounds are disappointing and exhausted looking. They have a few old trees that are missing chunks of bark and have no leaves, whilst the grass is green most of it is spongy moss.
The Location
A traditional seaside haven, the Lyons family have a strong attachment to the house and garden. It was built by Jimmy's forefathers and subsequently generations of the family have lived in Bettystown. The house has been recently upgraded and is now ready for its new generation. Diarmuid's first impression was of "the Hamptons come to Ireland... a very comfortable contemporary home, a lovely family, a sense of history allied to modern living".
Diarmuid's Initial Reaction
"An idyllic location.perched on the eastern seaboard of Ireland.This garden has huge potential". The Lyons love to be outdoors, they are very active and farm the land themselves. But Diarmuid believed that the brutal winds that can blast this landscape "are unforgiving and it is difficult for plants to survive and thoughts on turbulant days are always towards shelter".
The Dilemma
Diarmuid's dilemma was twofold - he needed to "add to the success of this site without diminishing the views". He also needed to create the feeling of being sheltered from the elements in a space that draws people together.
The Solution
Diamiud decided to go with three structures.
The first was above the ground and is the main feature "a stone and wood open pavillion to frame the view...and create a support structure for some hanging bubble chairs...think porches and verandhas in New Orleans" he explained.
Secondly he designed two rooms, "patios at different levels... ultimately to create sunken rooms which will allow people to sit in an enclosed space and still appreciate the view... the second room will be entered through a series of internal steps". The sunken rooms featured wooden floors and cantilevered seating. Diarmuid concluded "just imagine transplanting your living room from inside the house to the garden but leaving the roof behind". A series of mounds of neatly clipped turf completed the impressive garden.
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