Barneys Ruins

by Patrick Bradley Architect

Client Private

Awards RIBA Northern Ireland Award 2024, RIBA Northern Ireland Small Project of the Year 2024 and RIBA Northern Ireland Sustainability Award 2024 (Sponsored by Autodesk).

Situated deep within the rolling hills of mid-Ulster, Barneys Ruins is a modest project in terms of its scale, yet exceptional in its ambition and invention. Its name derives from the 200 year -old ruined clachan (hamlet) that has become its lower levels.

A small new house formed from a reclaimed shipping container floats dramatically above. The contrast in response to the site is remarkable – one element is grounded in the landscape, the other detached from it. The architect knows this landscape and its histories, and his passion for it is infectious. Although rooted in the land, the design maintains a thoroughly contemporary position and never succumbs to sentimentality. The detailing and making are carried out with conviction, care, and a lightness of touch that supports and heightens the initial conceptual boldness of the project.

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Structural Engineer M.A. McCloskey ltd.

Lighting Design Light 360

Gross internal area in m² 54.9