Monolithic brick-clad volumes form riverside home in Northern Ireland
McGonigle McGrath's Tollymore house blends into the landscape with its rock-inspired design.
1Concept and site integration
Tollymore house consists of six rectangular volumes cascading down a steep riverside site in County Down, Northern Ireland. Designed by Belfast-based McGonigle McGrath, the cluster of grey brick-clad forms was strategically positioned at different levels to blend with the landscape. The architects describe the arrangement as intentionally evoking water flowing around stones in the adjacent river. Each volume sits on board-marked concrete plinths, with rooflines maintaining consistent height despite the sloping terrain.
2Client-driven modular design
The unique pod-based layout resulted from the client's specific brief requesting a home divided into small, view-maximizing spaces. Principal Kieran McGonigle noted this emerged during a particularly creative period for the practice. The design features covered walkways and courtyards between volumes, creating a ritual of moving through nature when transitioning between spaces. This approach allows the family to constantly engage with river, mountain, and sky views regardless of weather conditions.
3Functional zoning
The six volumes house two living areas, three sleeping zones, and one flexible space currently used as an Airbnb. The architects designed all spaces to adapt to the family's evolving needs - three blocks can be closed when children attend college, significantly reducing running costs. Bedrooms and living areas are deliberately separated, requiring brief outdoor transitions that reinforce connection to nature. This layout reflects the studio's philosophy of creating meaningful spatial experiences.
4Material selection
Exterior materials include grey brick walls and granite-gravel roofs designed to resemble river boulders, complemented by board-marked concrete bases. McGonigle explains these choices root the building in its context. The interior contrasts sharply with warm hardwoods, exposed beams, terrazzo, and lime-washed plaster. Hardwood window frames create visual and tactile transitions between the rugged exterior and cozy interior spaces while framing views of nature and between rooms.
5Spatial experience
Movement through Tollymore creates a carefully choreographed sequence of spatial experiences. The covered passages between volumes offer sheltered transitions while maintaining visual connections to the landscape. Interior-exterior relationships are carefully considered, with windows positioned to maximize views whether looking outward or between interior spaces. This design creates constant awareness of both the natural surroundings and the architectural composition itself.
6Sustainable adaptability
The modular design allows for future adaptation as family needs change. Currently operating six pods (including an Airbnb unit), the owners can reduce to three when children leave home, cutting energy use by approximately 50%. Materials were selected for durability in the damp riverside environment while requiring minimal maintenance. The design's flexibility extends to potential reconfiguration of interior spaces without structural modifications.
7Architectural context
McGonigle McGrath, founded in 2012, won RIBA House of the Year in 2019 for House Lessans in Northern Ireland. Their work often explores monolithic forms responding to rural contexts, as seen in Belfast's Hill House which references local masonry. Tollymore continues this exploration with its rock-like aesthetic. The studio's approach combines rigorous response to brief with innovative spatial solutions that challenge conventional domestic arrangements.
8Design significance
Tollymore represents a thoughtful evolution of rural residential architecture, demonstrating how contemporary design can achieve deep site integration. Its pod-based organization offers solutions for flexible living while maintaining strong connections to nature. The project showcases how client collaboration during creative periods can yield innovative spatial concepts. By balancing aesthetic boldness with practical adaptability, it sets a benchmark for context-sensitive modern architecture in rural settings.