Built on the site of a former rope factory in the docks area of south inner-city Dublin the design of the 9 terraced town houses was greatly influenced by the site configuration and its relationship to the surrounding properties. The design sought to strike a balance between the principal of developing the site in line with current design standards and respect and protection of the existing amenity of the adjoining properties.
The site is immediately adjacent to the a recently constructed residential development to the south which includes the recognizable ‘Gasometer’ building, while to the north the siteis bound directly onto the rear yards and return structures of a terrace of early twentieth century two storey+ artisan type townhouses.
The decision to develop the site as town houses called for a creative and sensitive design solution to evolve. The site characteristics regarding light, privacy and orientation led to the inversion of the internal accommodation. The placing of the bedrooms at the lower level and living spaces at upper level resulted in improved privacy and greater sunlight exposure and penetration. It further enhances the urban character of the dwellings. The design provides for open space at ground level in the form of a courtyard onto which bedrooms at the lower level interface while a terrace at first floor level connects to the living areas. The courtyards all face south and west and provide for light and air for all the living spaces within the homes. The completed development is skillfully integrated into the broader residential neighborhood and greatly improves the streetscape of South Lotts Road.