Contemporary design – not in Ireland…

I’m planning to return to rural Ireland and build a home. I would very much like to build a contemporary style house, however I’ve been told by several architects that there is no way that I will be granted planning for any building that is not ‘traditional’. The traditional designs I’ve been shown are not traditional but rather the style currently favoured by the planning authorities. Since when has 1 ½ storey dorma bungalows been traditional? Since about 1980 by my estimate! Apparently solar panels are only allowed on the back roof, which isn’t much good if that happens to be north facing.

I would be most interested in hearing the views of other members, what is the best approach to get planning for a home that isn’t ‘traditional’.