Light House, County Down

RSUA (Northern Ireland) Award 2025

Light House, Holywood
McGonigle McGrath for private client

Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 350m²

Behind an unassuming facade that respects the existing residential terrace, this house on the edge of Belfast Lough is a wonderfully crafted home for a growing and active family. The architects have an established an enviable portfolio of award-winning bespoke houses. The experience they have gained and the ‘trademark’ details they have established through these are evident in this latest, exceptional project.

The history of the project goes back to 2002, when the clients first purchased one of the terraced dwellings. A few years later they were able to purchase the neighbouring property, and undertook some modest alterations to integrate the two properties through a number of basic connections. As their family grew, however, and it became clear that this would be their main family home for some time, they engaged the architects to transform and properly unite the two houses into one ‘light house’.

The initial aim was to create a modest extension to make an open-plan living/dining/kitchen space between the house and garden, while maximising opportunities for connections (architecturally, spatially and functionally) and natural light. The intention was to retain as much of the original fabric as practicably possible. 

However, during the early stages of construction, the poor build quality of the existing rear extensions led to a decision to rebuild them. Without exceeding the scale of the secured planning permission, the clients and architects reimagined the project brief to further remodel the general arrangement of the rear of the house.

While lines of sight out to the water at the front of the house were a compelling design driver for the interior, the building’s rear and the private garden were not forgotten. A subtly executed arrangement of external storage and seating spaces at the very back of the property provides both a focal point and an end-of-day destination. Here, the clients can enjoy an evening glass of wine in the setting sun, and still glimpse the sea through the entire depth of the house.

Overall, the result is a series of delightful spaces, some retained and refurbished, some newly conceived and created; all maximising the modern luxuries of space and light, with constant views through and to the Lough. As soon as one crosses the threshold, the ambition, vision and collaboration of both client and architect are evident in every light-filled and carefully detailed room. All this is brought together as a clever, connected, contemporary home.

See the rest of the RIBA RSUA Northern Ireland winners here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards here.

To see the whole RIBA Awards process visit architecture.com.

RIBA Regional Awards 2025 sponsored by Autodesk, EH Smith, Equitone and VELUX