PROJECT SUMMARY

In 2007 we were asked to design and build the member's room at The Old Head Golf Course in County Cork. This was a huge honor for us, and it was a massive privilege to work on one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world where every superstar, such as Greg Norman and Tiger Woods, has played.

 

While the headland setting was unparalleled, as it sits on a peninsula, winter brings wicked winds that blow more than 40 miles per hour, with sea spray at times reaching 250 feet above sea level. The club's General Manager described the setting as "both a blessing and a curse."  We designed and built the member's room with the local environment in mind. We kept as much of the spectacular view as possible and used passive building systems to retain the heat and keep the cost of heating down.

​

We were able to lessen the impact of the building on the environment and the scenery in arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. We complimented the existing nature reserves and placed the building in its natural surroundings.

​

SIZE OF PROJECT

The project value was $3 million

​

PROJECT CHALLENGE

• To design and build a member's room that would compliment the landscape and not take from it.

​

WHY THE CLIENT APPOINTED JAMES

• He knew what the client wanted, and the client knew James was passionate about conservation and the landscapes and environments he works in

• He was able to deliver a proposal to the local environment courts to meet their concerns about the build and show an outcome that would please everyone involved

• His experience with centuries-old structures, how they were built, and how to save them, which helped with applications to local councils

• His expertise and knowledge of traditional building so that he could recreate the finished product the clients were looking for

• Reputation for being able to successfully manage the client's relationships with engineers, architects, and local authorities

​

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

"To sit in this room now, it's totally breathtaking. The finishes and the huge windows that capture that view are exactly what I wanted for our members."