Wildflower House

This detached country home was designed by Chris McIvor early in his architectural career prior to founding iMAC architecture and remains a strong example of practical, long-term residential design. Set on an elevated site on the hills of East Belfast, the house was designed to make the most of its private setting, generous grounds and views towards Stormont Estate and the surrounding countryside. 

The layout combines open, light-filled living spaces with more traditional family accommodation, creating a home that feels spacious without losing its sense of comfort and everyday usability. A key part of the design was the relationship between the main living areas and the surrounding gardens. The kitchen, dining and living spaces were planned to maximise natural light, outlook and connection to the outdoors, with vaulted ceilings and large areas of glazing helping to create volume and openness.

The home also incorporated a number of performance-focused features, including triple-glazed alu-clad windows, underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, solar hot water and photovoltaic panels. These elements supported a more efficient and comfortable home, while still allowing the architecture to retain warmth, character and a strong residential feel.

The result is a substantial family home that balances rural privacy with close access to Belfast. Years after completion, the core design principles remain clear: good orientation, strong natural light, flexible accommodation and a calm connection between house and setting.