A property based inside one of Co Derry's parks has been awarded a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award for 2022.
The client who owns 'House at Lough Beg', near Magherafelt, was praised for its commitment to the project which took a decade to complete.
The project, which was carried out by McGonigle McGrath LLP, was also awarded the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) Design Award and the RSUA Client of the Year.
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The home is located within the part walled demesne of Ballyscullion Park, on the shores of Lough Beg in Mid-Ulster.
The park was established in the late 18th Century for a dwelling which was never completed, a later house by Lanyon in the 1840's now commands the demesne, overlooking the lough, with distant views beyond.
It's understood the owner of the property bought 100 acres of listed parkland and set about commissioning a house.
The process has taken ten years to complete, five years of which was dedicated to the meticulous self-build.
A spokesperson for RIBA said the client asked for the property not to be a "conspicuous house", with the architect delivering.
This home is deferential to the big house of the demesne and to its natural surroundings," the RIBA spokesperson said.
"It takes the form of the agricultural outbuildings and for a relatively large home, it nestles effortlessly into the landscape. Hand-made bricks in hues of grey and the zinc roof help the dwelling harmonise with the dark trees beyond.
"The building is beautifully detailed. The main reception room has a low long window. This is in the sitting room and it is not until you sit down that you get the benefit of the fantastic view. The building’s impact on the environment is offset with the planting of 6000 indigenous trees to both restock the existing woodland and to establish a new woodland.
"The client’s commitment to this project has produced a very high-quality piece of domestic architecture for a low construction cost. It is a fitting home for a custodian of the land."
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