Sean Treacy House

Commissioned on foot of an invited tender in 2001, PKA’s Sean Treacy House redevelopment forms a major element of the North-East Inner City Integrated Area Plan, an ambitious initiative by the city council to regenerate this long-neglected part of the city.

The project involved demolition of two existing flat blocks, and their replacement with a development comprising 53 units and a residents’ community facility. 

The scheme contains a mix of own-door duplexes, as well as lift-accessed apartments, that are organised around a courtyard that stands above a single level of parking, and which is enclosed by three- and four-storey blocks on three of its sides, with six storeys onto Buckingham Street.  

PKA’s design prioritises urban design and residential amenity in equal measure: the street elevation responds to the architecture of the adjacent (protected structure) Georgian houses; it restores the Empress Place streetscape; the courtyard – and each unit’s private outdoor space – contributes to the creation of a high level of residential amenity. 

The perimeter block maximises passive supervision, both of the interior courtyard and of the surrounding streets; and all lower level units have own-door access that contributes to an active streetscape and a secure residential environment. 

Developed in collaboration with the DCC architect’s department, the council planners, local elected members, the NEIC management team and community groups, the scheme won the Best Overall Housing award in the 2011 Irish Council for Social Housing Awards, as well as being Highly Commended in the RIAI Silver Medal for Housing awards 2017.

Client: Dublin City Council
Value: €11,235,000
Size: 53 units & community centre
Reference: Ms. Ali Grehan, City Architect, DCC.
Design: 2001
Completion: 2011