Strawberry Hill forever

An architect’s stand-out home uses every inch of space to maximum effect, and it’s clean-cut look is almost monastic writes Rose Martin

GOOD architecture has a reputation for being elitist and expensive — but the example of architect Haroldo de Oliveira’s house at no 1 Strawberry Hill, Cork, shows otherwise.

The two-bedroom is an example of how a building can be fit-for-purpose, cost-effective, easy to maintain and beautiful. Small wonder it was short-listed for last year’s RIAI Public Choice Award. Concrete, cedar, stone, glass — four elements used in simple geometrical shapes to create a nationally-recognised and user- friendly build.