Balgaddy A

This is a new medium-density neighbourhood of 84 dwellings for South Dublin County Council. It is the first phase of a large-scale phased programme of works at Balgaddy in North Clondalkin on the western fringe of Dublin City.

We were initially commissioned in 1999 to design an urban masterplan for the Balgaddy area, which was then to be developed in phases by various architects.

The client brief for Balgaddy A was to design a new neighbourhood of dwellings of 85 dwellings ranging from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom houses at a density of approximately twenty five dwellings per acre. The brief demanded a robust, low-maintenance environment promoting the safety and security of the residents. The client was also keen for the architects to explore a new contemporary aesthetic for their social housing.

Set along Griffeen Avenue, a 3 storey south-facing crescent creates a distinctive place as a focus for the area. The crescent is terminated at the ends with higher buildings that act as bookends, and as eyecatchers to terminate the views from roads approaching from the south.

Behind the crescent is a series of smaller scale, quieter, tree lined streets, designed to ensure that pedestrians have priority over cars. Each house has their own front garden, front door and private and secure garden to the rear. Apartments have external private space in the form of balconies and terraces. The architectural language of all buildings is consistent, with variation to be found in form, composition and scale.