Wilkinsons Brook, located on the northern edge of Tyrrelstown, an expanding settlement to the northwest of Dublin, provides 69 new two, three and four bed homes. Proctor and Matthews were appointed as masterplanners and architects to design a higher density, family orientated neighbourhood which responds to changing 21st century living patterns.
The concept of clustering dwellings around defined neighbourhood spaces where cars no longer visually dominate was inspired by the form of historic rural clachans: traditional clusters arranged around focal landscapes.
A defined edge to adjacent green open spaces is achieved by incorporating dual entrance and aspect courtyard homes with multi-level amenity space and in-curtilage parking. This helps to create defined thresholds to the other areas within the wider Tyrellstown plan and provides a sheltered sequence of shared-surface streets and spaces at the heart of the new quarter. Typically, new street sections are approximately one third of the width of more conventional car dominated suburban configurations.
During the development of dwelling types, Proctor and Matthews worked closely with de Blacam and Meagher who designed two of the seven typology variants. Once planning permission was secured, Executive Architects Doran Cray took responsibility for the construction stages, working closely with our team to ensure the original design aspirations were implemented.
A grey or white brickwork single storey plinth with hooded windows defines the streetscape, with upper ‘infill’ storeys of grey brickwork or render. Townscape markers incorporate red brickwork at upper levels.
All dwellings are constructed using highly insulated ICF construction and incorporate rooftop PV panels and air source heat pumps to achieve an A1 building energy rating.
"If the measure of success of a housing scheme is its ability to enhance the living experience of its residents, then Wilkinsons Brook is likely to lead the way...." RIAI Awards Jury, 2024
