49-51 Amiens Street - Housing

The historic Georgian buildings of Dublin form an integral part of the city core, and are characterised by elegant brick façades and harmonious streetscapes. The scheme reinterprets 3 vacant and derelict Georgian plots as an infill development. Original façades are retained and restored, and 11 new apartments and 2 commercial units are accommodated. A 3-storey open air atrium with a glazed roof provides a dignified entrance to the apartments as well as daylight, privacy, and acoustic separation from the busy inner city street; the reinstated details reinforce the historic rhythm of the terrace.

The project tackles the challenge of reintegrating a derelict site into a sensitive Georgian streetscape. Hemmed in by adjacent buildings, the site is constrained demanding a carefully orchestrated approach to it's construction. With No. 49 erased, No. 50 partially intact, and No. 51 structurally unsound, the design seeks to preserve, reveal, and celebrate the fragments of history that remain while enabling sustainable redevelopment. By setting the new structure behind the retained Georgian façade, an atrium is created to mediate between past and present, public and private realms—bringing light, ventilation, and acoustic separation. The site strategy reinstates original plot lines, balances density with liveability, and introduces a civic-scaled entrance that echoes the spatial generosity of Georgian architecture. The result is a contextually sensitive renewal that reactivates the historic fabric through 11no. apartments and ground-floor commercial units, revitalising the city’s core.

The overall method of construction, particularly the use of a steel frame and pre-fabricated elements including prestressed concrete floor slabs, were chosen due to restricted access to the site. This approach allowed the superstructure to be erected efficiently with minimal on-site fabrication. Historic façades were stabilised, repaired, and repointed following removal of cement render, with new façades and structure executed in reinforced concrete and steel. Lightweight assemblies reduce load on retained walls, and the glazed atrium roof introduces natural light deep into the plan. Apartments achieve BER A-ratings, and integrate energy efficiency & renewable systems, and airtight construction to ensure sustainability and long-term performance. Rainwater is managed through planters and permeable paving in landscaped courtyards. Durable materials - brick, metal, and glass - minimise maintenance, ensuring longevity and environmental responsibility within a sensitive heritage setting.