Nowadays, a Popular Option Is to Buy and Restore Old Dilapidated Buildings

Historical Development of Housing Styles

Early Nineteenth Century

The most common house in rural areas in the early 1800s was the single storey thatched cottage. It generally consisted of two rooms, a kitchen and a bedroom. The walls were constructed from solid stone, the windows were small and the door - usually a half-door, opened into the kitchen. An open turf fire was used for cooking and to provide heat. The thatch was of reeds, straw or hay and some cottages had a room, or loft, directly under the thatch, which was accessed by a ladder, where children slept.

Better-off farmers lived in large two-storey stone

House’s with slated roofs.

Wealthy landowners lived in big estate houses.

In urban areas, Georgian style houses were popular at this time. Some were detached but many were two, three or even four-storey terraced houses. The Georgian house, which is still popular today, is a simple classical design based on the architecture of the Greeks and the Romans. The main features include columns and decorative doorways with a range of fanlights. The houses often had basements. The rooms had high ceilings with deep cornicing (decorative moldings), architraves around doorways and distinctive fireplaces. Walls were made of stone covered with a layer of lime plaster and roofs were slated.

The suburbs of the larger towns and cities housed the middle classes who lived in small terraced houses. Many shopkeepers lived over their shops and ordinary workers lived in single-storey cottages.

Late Nineteenth Century

Although building slowed during the 1800s there was a move away from the simple classical Georgian style of house to more ornate styles including Gothic and Tudor styles. The Gothic style, although more often seen in cathedrals and churches, did feature in the houses built during this period. The main features of Gothic architecture include pointed windows, arches and doorways and high-pitched roofs.

Stone continued to be an important building material.

Tudor style houses also included high pitched

roofs, plaster panels with timber framing and projecting (bay) windows.

Two-storey houses with slated roofs became more common in rural areas, improved transportation resulted in the availability of a greater variety of building materials and brick became popular.

As many of the wealthier families moved from city-centre Georgian terraced houses to newly built houses in the suburbs the Georgian houses were divided, and rented to poorer families, who often lived in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Early Twentieth Century

The early twentieth century saw a move away from the terraced house to the detached or semi-detached house.

Council and housing estates were built on the outskirts of towns and cities. These houses were built of brick with plaster walls.

As land became more expensive, the houses were usually two-story’s high. A common design was used which was less ornate than the Gothic or Tudor styles of the previous century. Tiles were introduced to replace roof slating.

During this period 70% of the population still lived in rural Ireland. The end of the Second World War (1945), rural electrification (1946) and government housing grants brought changes to housing in rural Ireland. The slate roofed bungalow gradually replaced the thatched cottage of the past.

Late Twentieth Century

Private housing estates using a common design became very popular during the late twentieth century. There was huge variety in design in private houses including classical and modem designs. Building regulations greatly improved housing standards. High-rise apartment blocks were built because of the high cost of land. Local authorities continued to build housing schemes throughout towns and cities. New materials and methods e.g. double-glazing, plastic (PVC) and fiberglass were commonly used.

Popular Housing Styles in Ireland Today

Ø  Many of the housing styles of the last two centuries can still be seen throughout Ireland.

Ø  More people are now classified as urban dwellers (57%). In towns and cities, many terraced, semidetached and detached houses can be seen.

Ø  Nowadays, due to a shortage of space, apartment blocks are common.

Ø  Complexes, which include a variety of town houses and apartments, can be found in many towns and cities throughout Ireland. These complexes are often enclosed behind security gates.

Ø  Housing estates, both private and local authority, continue to be built. Although each housing estate usually consists of one style of house, there are many different styles including single-storey detached, dormer style and two storey semi-detached

Ø  Nowadays, a popular option is to buy and restore old dilapidated buildings. The old style thatched cottage can be found in many tourist areas throughout the country.

Ø  Custom-designed houses, where plans are drawn to the customer’s specifications, are popular when building on a private site.

Ø  A popular method of extending space within houses is to convert attic space and install Velux windows. Conservatory extensions can be seen on many houses throughout the country.

Ø  Sheltered housing is commonly used for the elderly or disabled.

Factors that Influence Choice of Housing Styles

Social and cultural factors

·  The location of the house is an important consideration - it may be in a rural or an urban area. Proximity to work, schools and amenities such as shops: public transport is important for many.

·  The size of the house is an influential factor in choice. There must sufficient space for all family members to live in relative comfort.

·  Family members with special needs e.g. the elderly or wheelchair users will have an impact on the style of housing. Houses with a 'granny flat’ may suit some families with elderly members. Wheelchair users require single-storey houses, wide doorways and as few steps as possible.

·  Personal choice influences housing choice. Some people prefer privacy and seclusion and therefore would probably choose a detached house with space around it. Old houses in need of refurbishment appeal to some, where others would choose newly built houses.

·  Availability also plays a part in housing choice. New trends develop and become fashionable e.g. complexes of living accommodation.

Economic factors

·  Income determines if one can afford to buy a house. Sometimes renting privately or local authority housing are more appropriate options.

·  The cost of sites adds considerably to house building costs, often making the choice of ready-built houses the only option.

·  Extra costs e.g. legal fees, stamp duty, repairs, furnishing, decorating and services can all affect choice of housing.

·  Household bills e.g. heating, lighting, insurance and maintenance influence choice.

·  Resale value is an important consideration in choice of housing. While most properties are a good investment, it may be worth doing some research into the plans for the area.

Environmental factors

·  Building regulations and planning permission can affect the choice of housing style, as it is necessary to comply with local regulations e.g. in terms of height of the house.

·  Climate is a factor, which should be considered when choosing the housing style. The temperate climate of Ireland produces a variety of conditions including wind, rain, cold and sunshine. Houses must protect from these conditions or avail of their benefits.

·  Surrounding area is an influential factor in choice of housing style. The gradient of some sites may be best suited to split-level houses. The aspect of the house is often chosen to benefit from the best view.

·  The effect on the environment also influences the choice of housing style. An energy efficient home with good insulation using sustainable materials and making use of alternative energy will have a less detrimental effect on the environment for future generations.

·  Materials local to the area may play a part in the choice of housing style e.g. local stone may be used in the house's facade.

Housing Provision in Ireland

Different people have different housing requirements. For example, housing that would appeal to a family might not be suitable for a single person or an elderly couple.

Families

The ages of family members and the size of the family will determine housing requirements.

·  A well-equipped, ventilated, adequately lit and spacious kitchen is a requirement for most families.

·  Sufficient bedrooms to accommodate all members are necessary including adequate storage for clothing. Teenagers may require study facilities.

·  Extra bathrooms will be required for larger families.

·  A living room used by family members for relaxing e.g. TV viewing is a requirement.

·  A large hot-press is particularly important for families with young children, as large amounts of laundry require airing.

·  A safe, enclosed back garden is a requirement for a family with young children.

·  A garage or garden shed may be required for the storage of garden equipment. A garage may be necessary for a family owning a car.

·  Proximity to work, schools, shops, parks and public transport may be important to some families.

Single people

The housing requirements of single people vary only slightly from those of families.

·  A smaller space will be required than for a family.

·  There are more housing options available to a single person. Bedsits or digs are possibilities. Small town houses or apartments may be suitable options.

·  House sharing is common among young singles where the rent and all expenses are shared among the occupants.

·  Proximity to work or college is usually important to young single people who may not own cars or choose to travel long distances.

The elderly

The basic housing requirements remain the same for elderly people as for other people. However, there are some alterations to consider due to age, which may be accompanied by special needs.

·  Because many elderly people are less mobile single-storey compact accommodation is more appropriate. Chairlifts may be fitted on stairways.

·  A downstairs bathroom fitted with handrails, non-slip flooring, raised toilet level and shower seat can assist elderly people.

·  There are many household and kitchen gadgets on the market to help elderly people who may have less dexterity because of arthritis e.g. tap-turner, handy plugs and electric can-openers.

·  Because elderly people feel the cold more, an easy, safe and effective method of home heating is very important.

·  To reduce the risk of falls good lighting is essential.

·  Proximity to local shops, libraries and church is often important to elderly people who are on their own and may not drive.

·  A telephone is essential for ease of communication with family and friends.

·  Security is particularly important to elderly people living on their own. Secure windows and door locks are essential. Doors can be fitted with door-chains and a peep-hole for extra security.

·  An alarm communication system can be fitted. This is activated in emergencies giving peace of mind to many elderly people.

·  In some situations, sheltered housing or institutional care may be more appropriate than continuing to live alone.

People with disabilities

Certain adjustments are necessary to the basic housing requirements in order to cater for people with disabilities. The specific requirements will depend on the type of disability, for example, people with mobility problems using a walking aid or wheelchair will require:

· Ramp access to the house.

· Wider doorways for ease of entry.

· Kitchen worktops at a lower more accessible level.

· Light switches, sockets and door handles positioned appropriately.

· Raised toilet level with rails beside the toilet, bath or shower.

· Alarm bells are important for the visually impaired.

· People with hearing disability require flashing lights to alert them to doorbells. Alarm communication systems are helpful in case of emergencies.

The homeless

The local authority’s liase with voluntary organisations in an effort to provide ongoing accommodation for the homeless. The requirements of homeless people are the basic requirements of all people.

·  They require shelter - in the form of hostel accommodation, emergency bed and breakfast, rent assisted private accommodation or local authority housing.

·  This shelter should be regular and not on a queuing-nightly system.

·  Privacy is an important requirement for the homeless to allow them to regain some dignity.

·  A safe place to store their possessions is often a priority.

·  Communal facilities e.g. kitchen, bathroom and day-room are features of many hostels which may reduce the feelings of isolation.

·  In relation to Travellers, serviced halting sites for mobile homes and caravans are a necessity.

An Evaluation of Housing Provision in Ireland Today

Distribution of housing

·  Ireland has a very high level of home ownership. According to recent figures from Eurostat - owner-occupiers make up 82.3 % of the Irish population. This figure, which is considerably higher than the EU average of 63.4%, is a reflection of government policy.

·  Since the 1970s successive governments have heavily subsidised owner occupation with policies such as mortgage-interest tax relief and tenant purchase schemes.

·  Many homes are in the process of being purchased i.e. mortgages are being paid to the local authority or other lending institutions.

·  The occupiers rent the remainder of the houses. Rented housing is subdivided into houses which are privately rented i.e. paying rent to a landlord, and social housing which is paying rent to

(a)  the local authority, or

(b)  a voluntary housing body.

·  Approximately half of the rented accommodation is privately rented and the remainder is rented from the local authority or a voluntary housing body.

Urban and rural distribution

The distribution of the population between urban and rural areas has undergone a major transformation since the foundation of the state.

·  Less than one-third of the population lived in urban areas. The urban share has increased constantly since then. The 1971 census was the first in which the urban population exceeded rural population. By 2002, approximately 60% of the population were living in urban areas.