Wilkinsons' Stream or Watercourse
In the northern edge of Tyrrelstown, a fast-expanding area to the northwest of Dublin, a new housing development is setting a benchmark for sustainable densities using own-door family housing typologies. The development, known as Wilkinsons Brook, is the brainchild of Proctor & Matthews Architects, a London-based firm, in collaboration with Irish developer Glenveagh.
The design of Wilkinsons Brook is inspired by rural clachans, traditional Irish settlements known for their tight-knit communities and informal layouts. This inspiration is evident in the development's pedestrian-friendly paths, community spaces, and focus on natural surroundings. The homes are arranged around defined neighbourhood spaces, creating a sense of community and greenspaces even in a higher-density setting.
The development features 69 homes, including a range of two-, three-, and four-bedroom units. The upper storeys of the homes are clad in either grey brickwork or render, with red brick townscape markers at higher levels. A defining feature of the homes is the ground-level plinth of grey or white brickwork with hooded windows.
Sustainability is at the heart of Wilkinsons Brook. All homes are built using highly insulated Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF), a method known for its energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Rooftop photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps are fitted to all homes, ensuring an A1 building energy rating.
The strategy of Wilkinsons Brook establishes clear boundaries within the broader Tyrrelstown plan and fosters a protected network of shared-surface streets and communal areas at the heart of the new neighbourhood. The new street sections are notably narrower, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Wilkinsons Brook has influenced the recently published Government of Ireland Guidelines for 'Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements'. The development integrates dual-aspect courtyard homes with multi-level amenity spaces and on-site parking, creating a balanced blend of privacy and communal living.
Doran Cray served as the executive architect during the construction stages after planning permission had been secured. The project saw contributions from various professionals, including DBFL, IN2 Engineering Design Partnership, Brady Shipman Martin, and David O'Connor, who handled civil engineering, MEP engineering, planning consultation, and consultant project advisory, respectively. Jason Van Hout, director of design and innovation at Glenveah, expressed that the ambition at Wilkinsons Brook was to set a benchmark for sustainable densities using own-door family housing typologies.
In July 2024, Wilkinsons Brook won an RIAI award, recognising its innovative approach to sustainable, dense, and community-focused housing. For detailed information on the project, it would be best to consult the official project documents or contact Proctor & Matthews Architects directly. The development is a testament to the potential of thoughtful, sustainable design to transform urban landscapes while maintaining a strong sense of community.
- The unique lifestyle offered at Wilkinsons Brook, with its pedestrian-friendly paths, community spaces, and focus on natural surroundings, is designed to create a sense of community even in higher-density settings, much like traditional rural clachans.
- The homes at Wilkinsons Brook, arranged around defined neighborhood spaces, are built using sustainable methods such as Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) and equipped with rooftop photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, aiming to set a benchmark for environmentally-friendly home-and-garden practices.
