Ballinasloe, Galway

Located between Ballinasloe’s town centre and its part-developed retail park, this housing for older persons development was initiated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to provide much-needed housing for the elderly of the town and its hinterland. 

Placemaking and connectivity are two core objectives that the design has sought to address: the scheme faces inwards to create a ‘homezone’ environment, with a ‘village square’ at its centre that extends to two ‘streets’ which connect with the town centre and the megastore to the south of the site. 

Comprising 18 one and two-bedroom units, all – of which there are five distinct types – are dual-aspect; their combined kitchen / dining / living rooms look onto their public fronts and their rear patio gardens which connect via a passageway along the site’s boundaries to communal allotment gardens at the end of each terrace. 

Designed to the DHPLG’s Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities standards, as well as the principles of lifetime housing, the units are capable of adaptation to meet the changing needs of residents as they age.

Aspiring to be a model of environmental sustainability, the scheme’s highly insulated fabric, air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and passive ventilation has achieved an A2 energy rating, thereby adding to the comfort of residents and reducing their heating costs. 

The construction of the scheme was undertaken by Cluid Housing, and the development was funded by the Department of Housing, Galway County Council and the Housing Finance Agency. 

Client: Cluid Housing Association
Value: €2,740,000

Size: 18 units
Reference: Mr. Brian Carey
Design: 2010
Completion: 2020