Rathcoran in Baltinglass (Wicklow) features 56 homes, including a converted convent building at the heart of the development, surrounded by modern homes, apartments, and a primary health care centre.
With a diverse mix of unit types and sizes, the community accommodates individuals, families of all ages and refugees from Iraq and Syria as part of the Refugee Resettlement Programme. The scheme has ample communal green spaces and an enclosed multi-use games area, fostering a sense of community and well-being. By repurposing the existing convent and preserving its historical character, the project stands as a shining example of the capacity of regeneration and renewal to create vibrant and sustainable communities.
Regeneration
Rathcoran exemplifies excellence in regeneration and renewal, as it integrates beautifully into the surrounding built environment while revitalising a former convent and schoolhouse. The design strategy was driven by a vision to respect and preserve the existing buildings within the landscape while accommodating new residential structures. By strategically placing the dwellings amidst central open green spaces, the design creates a focal point for the community, encouraging interaction and a sense of belonging. The development is aesthetically pleasing, utilises a simple palette of materials throughout. The combination of white render and black slate roofs, set against the backdrop of a central green public realm space, creates a visually stunning environment.
Collaboration
Community involvement played a vital role in the planning and development process, ensuring that the scheme catered to the needs of both existing and future residents. Collaboration with the HSE and Respond exemplified a partnership approach, fostering a sustainable and inclusive outcome for all. Additionally, the architects sought input from the local church body, who own the land to the south-east and north-east, and considered their feedback to create a sense of community and achieve general aesthetic support for the scheme. Preservation of Rathcoran House, a listed building in the Wicklow County Development Plan, was of paramount importance throughout the project.
The design team carefully considered minimal amendments to the façade, aiming to impose minimal intervention while enabling sustainable residential use of the existing structure. With a mix of dwelling types, sizes, and tenures, this development provides a range of housing options that cater to diverse needs, fostering an inclusive community. The incorporation of communal facilities serves local community needs, promoting social interactions and creating a sense of belonging.
Building Communities
The development not only focuses on the physical aspects of housing but also prioritises efficient housing management and tenant satisfaction. Respond’s Tenant Relations Officer (TRO) has played a crucial role in establishing strong connections with the local community. Working alongside a trainee TRO, they have cultivated relationships with local organisations to develop ideas for future collaborations in delivering essential services to the community. This proactive approach ensures that the development remains responsive to the evolving needs of tenants. Recognizing the challenges faced by tenants during the moving process, Respond partnered with ‘Creative Foundations’ to provide support services to individuals experiencing poor mental health. This collaboration has helped five individual tenants with their relocations, alleviating the stress associated with moving and fostering a smooth transition to their new homes. Respond have also forged strong ties with local support groups such as Age Friendly Ireland. Through this partnership, the project aims to create an Age Friendly Lifetime Community in Baltinglass, where the aging population can live as active, valued members of their community and stay in their own homes for as long as possible. The project is working towards becoming the first Age Friendly Lifetime Community, ensuring that the needs of older tenants are met and supported. In an innovative collaboration, Respond has partnered with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) to pilot the concept of a Brain Healthy Village. GBHI’s mission is to improve the brain health of vulnerable populations.
Recognizing the importance of easy access to nature for brain health, the project’s beautiful environment serves as an excellent example of how housing can seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. Respond has secured funding for an “Artist in Residence” program, aimed at engaging tenants in an outdoor “Eco Art” project. This initiative further enhances the connection between the tenants, their living environment and their overall well-being. Rathcoran sets a high standard in efficient housing management, tenant satisfaction, and community involvement. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative initiatives, and innovative initiatives, this project exemplifies the transformative power of regeneration and renewal in creating thriving and sustainable communities.
Sustainability
One of the key priorities of the project was the restoration of the convent building, Rathcoran House, listed for preservation in the Wicklow County Development Plan. By repurposing existing buildings and minimising alterations to the façade, the development significantly reduces carbon emissions while preserving the historic character of the site. This approach ensures that the tenants can enjoy a unique living environment that respects the local heritage. In addressing local housing needs, the development adapted and repurposed the vacant former convent to create homes that cater to the needs of tenants.
The project aimed to reduce fuel poverty by implementing excellent insulation and energy-efficient materials in construction, resulting in buildings with high energy performance ratings. The design ethos focused on minimal intervention, preserving the existing structures while enabling sustainable residential use. By utilising renewable heat sources such as gas in existing buildings and air-to-water heat pumps in new houses, the project promotes energy efficiency while providing comfortable living conditions.
Notably, the preservation of the existing stairs within the convent building showcases the commitment to retaining architectural elements of historical interest. This redevelopment project goes beyond creating sustainable housing; it fosters sustainable community development that can be replicated in other sites. The central green open spaces serve as gathering places for the community, promoting a sense of collective identity and shared experiences. The involvement of the existing community and parish throughout the planning and development process sets an example of successful community engagement that creates a lasting sense of place.
The positive environmental impact of repurposing vacant buildings extends beyond this project. By reimagining the use of these spaces for residential purposes, communities can be revitalized, and a sense of belonging can be fostered. Respond recognises the value of community engagement throughout the project’s life cycle, ensuring that the evolving needs of the community are met and that true sustainability is achieved. The redevelopment of Rathcoran House exemplifies how a sustainable environment positively affects the overall quality of life for those who live there.