Kelly and Cogan Architects were invited by Dublin City Council to submit proposals for the development of senior citizens housing on a vacant sit in Whitton Road, Terenure in 2006.

While not ultimately built, our proposed design is representative of the sensitivity of our design approach in respect of such delicate infill projects.

Our design response is based primarily on the issue of access which we consider to be the most important determinant in elderly persons housing.

The site planning allows for full and equal access to all parts of the development with no differentiation between wheelchair bound/ ambulant disabled/ visually impaired persons and the general public.

The existing building line is aligned with the adjoining terrace of five houses to the north and provides an urban edge that we consider appropriate.

We analysed the site, both in terms of contour and shape and the various requirements set out in the briefing document, and identified significant site conditions and restrictions, using photographs, figure ground plans, typological aerial views showing the grain and type of existing development and visualising the impact of natural elements such as wind sunlight and planting.

Our site section illustrates our strategy to excavate the site down to the level of the Terenure Road footpath. This enables us to maximise the full potential of the site and to allow for the most beneficial access and orientation to the units.

Our 3-D views show the scale and massing of the proposal and the relationship of the proposal to the adjoining properties. By cutting into the site, we have avoided creating any problems of overshadowing or overlooking onto nearby houses.