St. Vincent de Paul, Malahide

Located on a backlands site, PKA’s design consists of two ranges of housing: a curved terrace along the public roadside’s boundary, which is faced by a series of pavilion blocks, each containing three units that screen an adjoining housing development to the rear.

The enclosed garden that comprises the focus of the scheme creates a secure environment for the residents – all living rooms enjoy a view onto this landscaped space, maximising passive surveillance and generating a sense of communal engagement among residents.

The scheme comprises of 31 one-bedroom units, and 6 two-bedroom units, all fully accessible and aligned with the relevant standards and code requirements for disabled access. The community building which overlooks the courtyard contains social, education and service facilities for the residents, including a café, lounge, prayer and meeting room, as well as laundry facilities.

Not unlike its Gorey predecessor, the language is simple and economic; rendered walls, slate roofs, timber windows and cedar cladding are used on all three elements to give the scheme a unique character and identity. Using state-of-the-art technologies to reduce carbon emissions, the scheme has obtained a B1 energy rating, with solar panels, self-condensing boilers and high levels of insulation.

The project has been widely praised by its residents and housing professionals alike, and the scheme won the Irish Council for Social Housing’s best housing for the elderly in 2009.