We’ve just finished paving our outdoor spaces, adding 70+ sqm of new outdoor living to the home. Both spaces are designed as an integral part of the house — making the most of orientation, shelter and connection to the rooms inside.
One is a morning and afternoon space, linked to the kitchen and children’s rooms. The other comes into its own in the afternoon and evening, connected to the dining area and entrance. Having a variety of spaces means you can follow the sun, escape the wind, and find the right spot no matter the time of day or year — extending outdoor living well beyond the narrow window of an Irish summer.
Designed outdoor spaces matter. They connect us to the seasons, give the house room to breathe, and frame a view from inside. They allow the freedom to move barefoot from inside to out — something kids do effortlessly, naturally pulling their play outdoors.
Outdoor spaces shouldn’t be left to the end of a project. They should be integral to the design from the start — complementing the internal layout, positioned for sunshine and shelter, and connected to the rooms you use every day.
The details: Flamed surface granite paving, 900x600mm at 25mm depth, sourced from @mcmonagle_stone in Donegal. I stacked the joints in a grid rather than staggering them — less distracting, and it complements the modern architecture.
A note on budget: costs go beyond the paving itself — factor in stone fill, cement, grout, manhole covers and sealer. Larger format pavers also mean more wastage. It’s a real investment, but the sooner you do it, the sooner you start enjoying it.
The paving was installed by @johnny_paving — a seriously professional contractor and a genuinely lovely person to work with. He takes real pride in his craft, treats his team well, and was brilliant at working through the finer details on site — My Dad said it best: “you can tell these guys are proud of their work.”
Excited for spring, new planting and long evenings outside. #outdoorliving#patiodesign#outdoorspace#landscapedesign#irisharchitecture
