Kelly and Cogan Architects were appointed in 2002 by Kildare County Council to deliver the development of 29 New Houses and Apartments at Pairc Mhuire in Newbridge.

The works involved the demolition of an earlier housing complex which had become unfit for purpose.

The new development, completed in 2007 provides a high standard of social housing in which ‘place making’, resident safety, comfort and sustainability have been priorities.

All houses and apartments are terraced to enclose and overlook safe communal landscaped open spaces and to maximise the density of the plan layout, energy efficiency of the houses and creates a sheltered microclimate within the enclosed outside spaces.

Materials chosen are traditional. One of the main design aspirations of this scheme has been to provide a form of modern architecture which is sympathetic and accessible to the perceptions and needs of ordinary people.

Traditional coloured renders, small areas of cedar and slate roofing are all used, and durability and ease of maintenance are a priority.

The house designs allow for extending into roof spaces and external additions and extensions to rear. Allowance is made through the provision of capped of drainage runs for the addition of ground floor bathroom, should these be required.

Throughout this project, our priority has been to ensure that the housing addresses residents needs through their full life cycle from youth through to old age.