TESTIMONIALS

Hi Mike
 
At long last we get around to getting those few words away to you as requested for your website:
 
"The thing that struck us about Mike at our preliminary meeting is his innate positivity. We had been through the mill up to that point in trying to get a set of house plans which met our wishes to be as ecological as possible. We both love wood and trees and had already done a large amount of tree planting in the area surrounding the house. But we had been running up against a brick wall with planning and the architects we had met.  So Mike's quiet conviction that it would work out to our satisfaction was reassuring and warm and calm...he had enthusiasm for a non-linear idea and with a minimal amount of ground work he delivered a set of plans which met and exceeded our expectations.
 
The build process was - contrary to general experience - a very enjoyable time for us. We had the usual concerns with regard to finance but the unusual design seemed to interest and enthuse everyone who worked on the project. We were receptive to suggestions and ideas as all Mike's ideas are worth listening to. Mike's plans were open to interpretation and seemed to allow room for everyone to be creative and we found people to work extremely hard in delivering their best work.
 
We love our house. It is an oasis of calm and peace in our busy active lives and those of our family. The curves are soothing to be around and allow a lovely closeness and natural flow from space to space. There is a wonderful satisfaction in having one's consciousness elevated to allow one to fully appreciate the advantages of living in a 'nature related' design. It was in large part through contact with Mike that we came to have an appreciation of natural architecture."

Slan agus beannacht

Margaret & Jeremiah

We have been living in a Michael Rice designed home for 18 months now. We wake up in the morning to sunshine at our breakfast table and light filled rooms. Even at the greyest, darkest time of year our open plan area seems to capture whatever rays it can and brighten the days with them. Our floor to ceiling windows give us the best view of the surrounding countryside and, as we watch the seasons change, we feel at peace with the elements. Our open plan living area, with its vaulted ceiling, lends a wonderful degree of liberty and is so atmospheric in the evenings.  Actually, there is a dramatic change in our house from day to evening, it’s almost like having two homes, the colours and features seem to change and become more prominent. It’s equally perfect for our wee ones to play and for entertaining our guests.

Every room is different, no standard box shapes or rectangles here! Lots of little nooks and crannies we can put to good use as bookshelves, wet rooms or walk in closets. Our imaginations can run riot... Our kids have plenty of freedom to play and can roam indoors on wet days. They spend hours playing hide and seek with their cousins.  This isn’t just a house; it’s the home we feel we were meant to live in.

Anyone who wants a home that uses light and space to its greatest advantage and maybe something a little out of the ordinary should definitely contact Michael. If you have ideas that perhaps you thought would be impossible or others told you couldn’t be done (as we did), he is the right architect for you. In a world where original ideas and thoughts are few, Michael seems to have a head full of them.  He will design you a home that you won’t want to leave. Thanks for our wonderful home Michael!


Colin, Lynn, Luke and Erin Wallis

We were interested in a design incorporating holistic archictecture. We were not exactly sure what type of house we wanted to build so we were open minded.
Our primary objectives were that the house be as eco friendly as possible, and complement the area where we were building.

We met Michael at his home office and together we discussed our ideas. One of the things he said us was that “sunlight is one of the few free things left, so make as much use as possible of it”. We were immediately impressed with his suggestions and his enthusiasm fuelled our sense of adventure for the plans.

Michael told us that he would sleep on the ideas we had and would dream up our house. The next time we met, about a week, later he presented us with his initial drawings which we were very happy with. The plan involved taking maximum advantage of the aspect of our site ensuring the free resource of the sun was fully optimised.
We threw the ideas back and forward between us in a very interactive process. This process manifested the house that we now live in.

Having never built a house before we were naturally cautious. Michael delivered a design that satisfied all our objectives.

We would highly recommend Michael as your architect.

Elaine and Rod

We have been living in our house which is set in the countryside in Ireland, for the past five and a half years.  Originally we were a family of five with my uncle, an elderly gentleman in his eighties living with me, my husband and two young girls, who are now eight and six.  My attraction to Michael's work stemmed from my own career as a Theatre Director.  We had been working on a project together- community arts, where Michael designed a Rehearsal space for young actors to train in. Coincidently, at the time, Uncle Tom had given us an acre of land and we had already gone through the whole planning process with another house designed by a accomplished engineer.  Coming from the world of theatre I assumed an architecturally designed house would be way out of our financial league.  Thus, whilst working closely with Michael it became apparent to me, how much the opposite is true.  Great design, which incorporates the actually needs of the family, made complete sense.  It's actually logical! It is totally possible to have beauty and functionality in a living space. The curve of our entrance hall straight through to the dining area and into the kitchen dictates the lack of need for other (furniture etc) unique features.  In fact most of our furniture is from Ikea! And visitors to the house respond by almost finding themselves up at the huge windows in the large sitting room, without invitation, it just feels naturally welcoming once they've entered the house to move through the building!

Changing our planning permission to a Rice house took some time, however I am led to believe that situation has altered over the years.  Planning authorities see the logistic of eco and environmentally sensitive building at this stage.  The Build itself was truly a work of art.  The experienced Canadian Masterbuilders who custom built on site surpassed every expectation.  True craftsmen, nothing a problem.  I couldn't recommend them enough.  It was fascinating to watch them create what I termed the 'rib cage' of the house, with not one complaint! Unbelievable really.

Having lived in the space over the years, I have noticed many things. This 'Bio- Architecture' terminology is experiential really.  The house has accommodated the baby, the young child, the adults and the elderly.  Tom had a huge affinity with the light and sense of connection with the outside world although his lack of mobility kept him housebound at times.  The large windows and doors meant that from his chair in the dining or sitting room he was constantly aware of the natural world about him. Steps up or down into rooms were never a problem as a 'natural' windowsill or ledge allowed for extra leverage! He would spend days just looking out the windows watching the farmers and regular walkers pass by.

The girls adore the free feeling of the open plan, their friends who visit do too!!!  Different spaces in the house have transformed beautifully throughout the years to accommodate the children's growing needs. Energetically the house certainly resonates a huge welcoming feel, people come to stay a few days and end up here for weeks! It is as though the natural human dimension of the space allows growth and change to occur in a fluid manner. Parties always work too- probably a reflection on the owners as well. The house seems to nurture whatever the scenario is, from needing a space to rehearse a one man show to accommodating a wake. Although open plan, other areas provide a warm and intimate area to work.  as I speak, my husband plays guitar in one area the girls watch telly and yes a visitor sleeps soundly upstairs out of the way.

Finally, in the stressful work environment, I find that coming home is a delight, no matter the circumstances, the sense of always being in a dream home is a blessing and joy! We have always opened our house to any of Michael's clients and will continue to do so- welcome on the mat to anyone interested in viewing a Rice house- take us as we are!

Cabrini, 2008.