Max Brosi
LMN13
INSPIRATION
Timber house on stilts with an unusual butterfly roof. Self-designed and built by furniture maker and award-winning wood turner Max Brosi. Compact and well thought out build that fits well into its surroundings. Sheep’s wool insulation, heated by a central wood-burner.
When and why did you buy the property?
2009, rural location, views, the area.
What was your inspiration for your home/build/restoration/extension?
A combination of a friend’s artwork, Scandinavian architecture, the urge to design and build our own home.
What were your initial plans / intentions?
To build a modern, bright, low energy home in a beautiful location, using my skillset.
How important was the eco-factor in these original intentions?
It was important in the sense that the materials I enjoy working with can be labelled “eco”. Natural materials suit a rural setting well and tend to age better than man made materials.
How important was the design?
Absolutely paramount! Orientation, build methods, aesthetics, workflow, outdoor space, views, exposure to the elements, these were all factors that were considered in depth when designing and redesigning our home. No matter how well a house is built, if the design doesn’t work, the house doesn’t work.
This home was featured on the front cover of the Summer 2016 Self-Build Ireland magazine
– photographs by Steve Rogers.TYPE OF HOUSE
Timber frame house on posts
POINT OF INTEREST
Semi self-sufficient in season, Alder coppice for firewood, Wildlife pond.
ECO ELEMENTS
Natural materials used, primarily wood and wool, low energy house, very easy to heat, small footprint, the design (orientated to the path of the sun during the day, kitchen in the east, dining to the south, sitting room to the west, beds and a bath to the north.) Reed bed, Alder coppice wood supply, veg garden and greenhouse.
CREATIVE ELEMENTS
ARCHITECT/DESIGN BY
Self
BUILDER
Self
MATERIALS
Foundation: Steel reinforced Concrete pads, leading to steel reinforced concrete stilts with a galvanised steel girder ring beam bolted on top.
Walls: Timber frame, clad in local cedar
Roof: Warm deck butterfly shaped roof with a Carlyle EPDM rubber roof finish
Insulation: Sheeps wool
HEAT SOURCE
For the water: Wood stove
For the building: Wood Stove and passive solar gain
WATER SOURCE
Group scheme
WASTE
GARDEN
Veg and ornamental gardens
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Time scale of build: 1-1.5 years initial build, ongoing work in gardens etc
Satisfaction rating: 11/10