Holles Street, Dublin 2

The original commission followed an international design competition that attracted 106 entries from Europe and North America. The winning proposal by Howley Harrington Architects, with Seán Harrington as partner in charge, created a seven storey building with one and two bedroom apartments over a ground floor shop on a prominent corner site near Merrion Square. It marked the corner, increased density and demonstrated strong urban infill on a modest city centre plot.

The project brief later expanded to include a review of the adjacent St. Andrew’s Court. This 1970s development had deck access flats facing into an open tarmac car park, with poor security, limited amenity and no dedicated parking. Through resident consultation, the design introduced additional housing along Denzille Lane and remodelled void former bedsits into one bedroom apartments.

The wider intervention improved both housing provision and the quality of shared space. By strengthening perimeter security and controlling access, the courtyard could be reimagined with active zones for different age groups, secure car parking and dedicated waste and recycling facilities. The project therefore delivered not only new homes, but a more secure and usable residential environment for the existing community.