Site: Affordable Housing, Dublin. Built area: 1,557.50 m2 Status: Competition
Project type: New-build affordable housing on a disused corner site in the heart of Dublin, this proposal transforms a neglected urban gap into a vibrant, community-focused development. The scheme not only addresses the urgent demand for high-quality, affordable homes, but also reactivates the streetscape with a confident architectural gesture that anchors the corner and contributes positively to the city’s evolving skyline.
The design introduces an emblematic tower block element that rises from the corner of the site, acting as a visual marker and gateway within the neighbourhood. Modest in height yet distinctive in form, the tower provides a sense of identity and civic presence, connecting the existing social housing schemes to either side, reinforcing the importance of the site within its urban context. Its vertical emphasis is balanced by carefully articulated façades, generous glazing, and durable materials that respond to Dublin’s character while projecting a contemporary expression.
At ground and basement levels, a retail unit activates the street frontage, encouraging footfall and supporting local enterprise. Above, the residential accommodation comprises 11 two-bedroom apartments and 3 one-bedroom units, designed to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation, and efficient layouts. Homes are arranged to foster both privacy and neighbourly interaction, with shared circulation spaces that feel open and welcoming rather than enclosed and anonymous.
A key feature of the scheme is its strong social dimension. At upper level, a dedicated social club opens onto a communal roof terrace, creating a shared amenity space with views across the city. This elevated garden and gathering space encourages connection among residents, supporting events, informal meetings, and everyday social exchange. By combining housing, retail, and shared amenities within a cohesive architectural statement, the development aspires to create not just homes, but a resilient and inclusive urban community.
