Shaping a Modern Urban Oasis
Situated on the east side of Lower Dominick Street, Dublin, the Dominick Hall Housing and Community Center emerges as a transformative mixed-use development. Spearheaded by Carr Cotter & Naessens, in collaboration with Denis Byrne Architects, this project is a testament to innovative urban planning.
Project Genesis and Context
Dating back to 2022, the project finds its roots in the former Dominick Street flats complex. Nestled at the junction with Parnell Street, it’s more than just a housing initiative. This Dublin City Council endeavor encompasses apartments, townhouses, a community center, and street-level retail spaces. The six-story Dominick Street block, housing 67 apartments over a ground-level community center, stands as a testament to urban ingenuity. The adjacent Dominick Place introduces a new street linking Dominick Street to Granby Place through five thoughtfully designed townhouses.
Masterful Design Solutions
The masterplan unfolds a strategy that pays homage to Dominick Street’s historical essence. The street-facing façade boasts a brick skin, cleverly layered to form a continuous south-facing loggia. This open space not only fosters community interaction but also acts as a shield against the bustling street below. The corner block on Parnell Street, a more complex urban challenge, embraces a sculptural form, becoming a distinctive civic-scale structure in the revived urban quarter.
The Apartment House: Building Blocks of Innovation
Central to the project is the Apartment House, consisting of six units, each with stairs and a core arranged along the courtyard. Designed for resident comfort, the layout places bedrooms facing the courtyard, ensuring a tranquil living environment. The building emphasizes voluminous brick-lined entrances, leading to upper courtyards, which, in turn, provide access to the six apartment houses. The courtyard, a focal point, is intelligently landscaped, incorporating seating areas, lawns, and play spaces.
Sustainability at its Core
Dominick Hall Housing and Community Center is not just architecturally compelling but also environmentally conscious. The project is meticulously designed to meet Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards. A well-insulated and airtight envelope, coupled with the integration of air-source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic panels, and centralized ventilation systems, reflects a commitment to sustainable living.
A Fusion of Functionality and Aesthetics
The design incorporates bespoke elements, including high-dependency apartments, adjustable kitchens, bathrooms with assistive technology, and a sunken garden for the community center at street level. The careful fusion of functionality and aesthetics has given rise to a modern urban oasis, breathing new life into the Dublin cityscape. Dominick Hall Housing and Community Center stands as a testament to the power of collaborative architectural vision and thoughtful urban planning.
