Our brief was to design a new neighbourhood on a complex suburban site that contains two protected structures, a public thoroughfare and is adjacent to an Architectural Conservation Area. The site, a long linear wedge, runs north to south and narrows at the southern end. Little survives on the early history of the protected structures, originally homes they have since the mid 20th century been used as religious community residential accommodation with both extended and significantly modified. The existing constraints demanded a considered approach that recognises and respects historic character and context.
Dun Laoghaire is characterised by period terraced houses, large detached houses and some large institutional buildings. Given the site constraints with its shared access and sensitive boundaries, we proposed to continue this urban grain with a new terrace of houses and to form a new tree lined avenue that links surrounding areas with the town centre.
The development transforms a link road into a vibrant new street, with a strong sylvan character and tacit surveillance. The architecture sits comfortably alongside the typical period streets of Dun Laoghaire employing contemporary forms, with recessed entrances and terraces creating visual interest along the street. At the southern end are 8 duplex apartments, articulated as a continuation of the terrace, and a new green space, creating a quality and sustainable place for living on a suburban back land site.
An innovative approach to private open space, distributed across three levels responds to the challenge of providing low rise high density housing on a long narrow site. The homes are designed to maximise space, light and views without impacting on their surroundings. Materials are high quality, robust and complement the textures of the surrounding streetscapes. A mix of homes is provided, including refurbished protected structures, large and medium sized family houses and generous apartments all set within a quiet, high quality landscape and public realm.
Our brief was to design a new neighbourhood on a complex suburban site that contains two protected structures, a public thoroughfare and is adjacent to an Architectural Conservation Area
