A Co Meath company has begun importing and selling Scandinavian all-year-round barbeque houses made from Arctic pine and finished to German and other northern European building standards.
The round log barbeque houses are pre-fabricated by a Scandinavian manufacturer and are new to the Irish market. Michael Lynch, director of Addria, the import company, came across the garden houses while researching log-built residential houses for the Irish market during visits to Norway, Sweden, Finland and northern Europe.
In Finland, they are a traditional part of life. "They are designed for all-year-round use, literally. From high summer to the depths of the Arctic winter people sit out and dine and socialise in these houses. They are a greatly loved part of outdoor life.
"We have been researching Arctic pine houses for three years and when we came across these barbeque houses in Finland and Sweden, it struck us they would be ideal for our climate. There is a great feeling of being surrounded by garden or countryside when you are in them while still being snug and enjoying food and company. Everyone who has tried the houses we have put up so far seems to really enjoy them."
The central barbeque plinth is made of concrete with a granite top, which retains the heat from the charcoal fire and slowly gives off the remaining warmth during the evening. The smoke from the fire is channelled up through the chimney and the windows open to provide extra ventilation during hot weather.
Addria brokered a deal with Scandanavian manufacturers who are producing the units in pack form for foreign, mainly northern European markets. It is the first time the barbeque houses have come to Ireland.
Addria are offering a variety of barbeque houses starting from around £3,600. All the timber, fittings and glazing meet German construction standards, which are significantly higher than here.
Examples of the houses are on show at the Rathwood Garden Centre, at Tullow, Co Carlow, and the Four Seasons Garden Centre, Dublin Road, Newry, Co Down.
To contact Addria, telepone 046-296971 or 086-8154641
