IN designing a wholly eco-efficient building, often the technicalities supersede the equally important matter of creating a welcoming, relaxed home. Grenaa, a detached country house in Brannockstown, is a 'greenhouse' with warmth of every possible kind, both of the laudable energy-saving variety and also feel-good, relaxed home comforts. When the owners first embarked on their design of Grenaa 10 years ago, environmentally conscious building, and sourcing materials for same, was a pretty daunting task.

Their mission was to build a home as energy-efficient as possible . . . the couple wanted an even temperature 24/7.

The success of their project began with the shell of the house, which is insulated to a higher degree than the average modern home.

Triple-glazed windows with a low emissivity coating were specially imported from Sweden and a computer-controlled, weather-sensitive underground heating system installed.

That's the environmental science bit! Those into their modern design and visual appeal will appreciate rooms such as the first-floor lounge, an inviting space for relaxing with family and friends.

Beech flooring and highvaulted ceilings give the room a bright, airy feel, while the wood burning Danish stove keeps everyone cosy.

The big kitchen is equally family-friendly with its custom-made, solid-frame maple presses, tiled floor and lightfilled dining area. The design is in the detail, eg, exposed pipework is made from stainless steel thereby turning it into a feature in its own right.

And while the couple love the older, period properties that are so sought after, when it came to their own home, warmth, comfort . . . and not to mention, low heating bills . . . were the priorities.

The Grenaa home certainly shows that greenhouse living has maximum appeal, as well as being eminently worthy too.

The lowdown

Address: Grenaa, Moorhill, Brannockstown, Naas, Co Kildare

Details: Custom-built energy-efficient detached house spanning 220sq m (2,400sq ft), comprising an entrance porch, entrance hall, guest cloakroom, study, family room, sun room, kitchen, laundry room, utility, inner hall, four bedrooms, en-suite, main bathroom, lounge on half acre of gardens Highlights: Modern country home wholly designed and built to ecofriendly standard, fully insulated, 24 hour ventilation with heat recover, computer-controlled weather sensitive under"oor heating and Argon gas triple-glazed windows.

Price: 975,000
Agent: Gunne Residential 045895440

Melody, Douglas, Co Cork: from 570,000

THE delightfully-named Melody is as pretty as its musical name, with light filled, well-proportioned rooms and a rear garden richly mature with shrubs and an apple tree.

Located halfway between Cork city and Douglas village, the four-bed house was built in the early 1950s and benefits from additional space to the rear in a separate, (280sq ft) single-storey building which once accommodated a medical surgery and waiting room.

This versatile space could work as an office, studio, teenage den, or indeed be incorporated into the main house as additional accommodation.

Floor area in the main house is 111sq m (1,200sq ft) and comprises the entrance hall; living room with bay window and open fireplace; dining room with marble fireplace; kitchen with open shelving; four bedrooms and main bathroom. There are good facilities in the local area including schools, sports clubs, and shops.

Accessibility to the city is within easy reach by foot with public transport practically on the doorstep.

Price: 570,000
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 021-427 3041

Kilbrackan House, Co Laois: 850,000

THE hand of an interior designer has been at work on the elegant rooms of Kilbrackan House, a fine detached country residence on 3.6 acres, four miles from Monasterevin, three miles from Ballybrittas, Co Laois. This is a stylishly presented home, with white painted kitchen, inviting hallway and main reception rooms where the natural light is enhanced by attractive details such as crystal chandeliers and large mirrors. Kilbrackan is approached along a walled entrance and gravelled drive. A bonus is the close proximity to the lake, across which the drawing room and dining room overlook.

Accommodation comprises the entrance porch, hall with oak floor, interconnecting drawing and dining room with ceiling cornices, guest cloakroom, study, kitchen, utility, sunroom, four bedrooms (two ensuites) and main bathroom.

Price: 850,000
Agent: Knight Frank Ganly Walters 01-662 3255