The Residences at Sandford Lodge in Dublin is Ireland’s first low-rise, high-density residential development.
Building upon Shay Cleary Architects's long-term research projects into high-quality, low-rise, high-density residential design, the scheme provides high amenity residential units of generous size, with ample private open terraces and gardens. In addition, there is superb access to sunlight and daylight with double and triple aspect units.
The scheme achieves a density of approximately 100 units per hectare, comparable to taller apartment buildings, but does not exceed three floors. Tailored to its specific site and context, the development offers the density of an apartment building through the medium of a house, where each resident has their own front door.
A low-rise, high-density solution
Composed of 36 high-quality residential garden apartments and duplexes, the project seeks to create a small residential enclave and a place of distinct character. This is achieved through the formation of a triangular formal lawn space addressed by two terraces and axially related to the existing protected Sandford Lodge building. In addition, a smaller and more informal garden space, retaining some mature existing trees, is created at the southern end of the site.
This housing typology is especially suited to brownfield or inner suburban infill sites. In particular, where the latter situation poses challenges relating to proximity and adjacency to neighbors and the protection of their amenity relating to sunlight, daylight, and privacy. This low-rise, high-density solution deals effectively with these issues through sensitive massing of the form and careful arrangement of the internal spaces.
The scheme comprises twelve ‘houses’ in two terraces. Each ‘house’ consists of three apartments. There are two one-bedroom units on the ground floor, each with a private garden courtyard to the rear. An external staircase leads to a two-storey, two-bed duplex unit above, with two private interconnected terraces. A further staircase leads to an upper terrace at the bedroom level.
The ground-floor apartments are accessed from the formal lawn space. The bedroom addresses the lawn while the full frontage kitchen-dining-living space to the rear addresses its own private garden courtyard. The upper duplex looks over the formal lawn space or laterally to its own terraces, thus completely eliminating any overlooking of adjoining properties. The highly articulated building form which arises directly from this arrangement, creates a powerful architecture and strong, contemporary aesthetic.
A keynote project
This project addresses two pressing issues in the construction industry in Ireland: the continuing housing crisis and the climate emergency. It provides a real and deliverable solution to the lack of housing being developed at present, due to viability issues with apartments and the sustainability issues with suburban sprawl. It is a keynote project and reference point for the emerging Compact and Sustainable Settlement Guidelines.
This housing model offers densities comparable to apartment development, but it achieves this through the medium of house construction. It provides own-door homes, garden courtyards, and generous terraces, making it more economical, viable, and suitable for phased delivery, which is particularly relevant in today’s interest rate environment.
Building materials inspired by the surrounding context
Taking inspiration from the predominant material of the surrounding context, particularly the Victorian brickwork of the former Bewley Estate’s gardens, the scheme’s primary material is a light buff-coloured brick. The mortar is matched in colour to the brick and has a flush pointed finish. It is laid in a stretcher bond format.
The highly articulated building form of the structure results in large areas of wall — the choice of brick adds texture and visual richness. The material is complemented by the careful detailing of precast copings and cappings to create a sophisticated and highly contemporary aesthetic. As a complement to this, a bronze metallic finish is applied to all glazed elements, cladding, flashings, and cills, which harmonise with the colour and texture of the brick. The selected materials are highly robust and will age and weather gracefully.
Sustainability embedded throughout
Shay Cleary Architects embedded sustainability into the concept for The Residences at Sandford Lodge. This project provides the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that Census 2022 highlights are urgently needed for sale and rental in locations that support Sustainable Low-Carbon Impact Transportation. The scheme is being used by the Irish Green Building Council as an exemplary model of carbon efficiency in a low-rise, high-density development.
The project is designed in accordance with passive energy design principles and is rated BREEAM Excellent under the BREEAM New Construction standards. It has a Building Energy Rating of A2, demonstrating a very high level of energy efficiency, and is compliant with the Nearly Zero Energy Building performance requirement (as specified by the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). A minimum of 20 percent of the development’s energy is derived from renewable energy technologies.
The development is entirely electric and has very high levels of building fabric performance. A high-performance construction envelope ensures low U- and G-values. Integrated solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage capture excess solar energy. Water conservation measures include the installation of intelligent water flow regulators on all hot water taps and shower heads.
When designing The Residences at Sandford Lodge, Shay Cleary Architects extensively tested sunlight and daylight performance within the interiors. Each apartment enjoys high levels of natural light.
Extensive landscaping, green roofs, and bird and bat boxes contribute to the area’s biodiversity and microclimate.
Team:
Architect and Interior Designer: Shay Cleary Architects
Photography: Jamie Hackett
