Architecture in Conversation with Nature: Inside Halka Lodge on Ireland’s West Coast
Overview
Set on the west coast of Ireland, Halka Lodge sits subtly within its landscape. Designed to settle rather than stand out, the house is defined by its grass roof, allowing it to blend into the surrounding fields. “Grass roof is the only way to help the house blend seamlessly into the landscape,” says owner Kasha. Before construction, the site was simply an open field, and preserving uninterrupted views of the mountains and greenery was always the priority.
Brand
Halka Lodge
Type
Luxury Cabin
Location
County Clare, Ireland
Services
Full Feature on YouTube, IG, FB & TikTok
Presented by
Kasha Connolly
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Layers of Culture and Craft
Inside, Scandinavian restraint forms the foundation, softened by Japanese simplicity and enriched with Polish folk references. “I’m Polish myself, so it was really important for me to bring those elements into the house,” Kasha explains. The interior is composed with depth and personality, with materials chosen for warmth, tactility, and everyday ease.
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Where the House Comes Together
The kitchen and dining area form the social core of the home. A double height ceiling and expansive glazing draw the landscape inward. “The view is the first thing you see when you come in,” Kasha says. To protect the serenity of the space, the television was removed entirely from the main living area.
American oak slats line the four-metre ceiling, addressing early concerns that the scale might feel cold. “We were worried it might feel church like, but the oak really brings warmth,” she notes. The space remains relaxed, reflecting family life.
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Designed for Making
As a baker and chocolatier, Kasha designed the kitchen to work hard. An oversized island provides generous workspace, while push to open cabinetry allows cupboards to be opened with a knee when hands are full. Integrated bins and thoughtful storage simplify daily cooking. “I experiment a lot in the kitchen, so extra space was essential.”
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Muted Frogmore green cabinetry reflects the surrounding fields, while reeded glass cupboards recall kitchens from Kasha’s childhood in Poland. Artworks and objects combine Polish folk motifs with local references, creating a personal dialogue between cultures. “It’s a combination of Irish and Polish that’s very close to my heart,” she says.
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Living Without Distraction
A traditional handmade Polish ceramic stove anchors the living area. “The tiles retain the heat long after the fire has gone out,” Kasha explains. With no television, the space encourages stillness, conversation, and quiet observation of the landscape. Friends often gather here, drawn naturally to the view and the warmth of the stove.
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Bedrooms and Everyday Routine
The layout reflects a thoughtful perspective to family life. There is only one bathroom in the main house, a decision deeply rooted in Kasha’s upbringing. This space introduces more colour, with a Polish ceramic sink and terracotta bath adding warmth and playfulness.
Their daughter’s bedroom is unapologetically expressive, filled with colour and artwork. The main bedroom, by contrast, is simple and functional, centered around a four-poster bed chosen for its built-in storage. Dual aspect windows and a private deck maintain a strong connection to the outdoors.
Photo: Jessica Glynn
Between Indoors and Out
A breezeway links the main spaces, acting as a cooling zone in summer and shelter in winter. Moisture resistant dura wood cladding ensures durability in the west of Ireland’s climate while retaining a warm, consistent tone.
Separate outbuildings extend the home’s rhythm. Guest accommodation offers privacy for visitors, while a Japanese charred timber clad structure houses the cinema room. “Once you’re here, you’re completely cocooned,” Kasha says, explaining the decision to keep screens out of the main house.
Sauna, Plunge, and Pause
The same building contains a sauna and plunge pool, forming part of a daily routine. “One of my favourite things to do is to have a sauna and jump in the pool,” Kasha says. Surrounded by the landscape, the experience is deeply restorative and immersive.
The Chocolate Factory Next Door
A short walk away sits the family’s chocolate factory, Hazel Mountain Chocolate, the reason the house was built on this site. What began organically is now the only place in Ireland where visitors can watch cacao beans transformed into chocolate from bean to bar. “This is where the real magic happens,” Kasha says, as beans are roasted, milled, and aged behind glass.
Halka Lodge brings architecture, landscape, and daily life in harmony. From the grass roof that softens its presence to the ceramic stove that holds warmth long after the fire fades, every decision supports a slower, more intentional way of living, one that takes its cues directly from the landscape.
Take a closer look in the full tour.
Gallery
The Finer Details.
