More than a roof over their heads

Laurie O’Flynn visits a North Cork eco-friendly house which blends style, upcycling and fuel economy.

WHEN Angie and Roger Nagle decided to build their own home near Mallow, Co Cork five years ago, they wanted quality, warmth and comfort, which is something they hadn’t experienced in their previous boom-time home.

“We lived in Lucan and in winter we were frozen all the time because of the poor quality of the house. We were shocked when the house next door sold for €500,000,” exclaims explains Angie — who is from Alaska, where houses are still comfortable at 40 degrees below zero outside.