The houses are arranged in a simple diagram with road access along the northern edge and pockets of parking convenient to the housing. A presence is established along the Kildalkey Road to the east of the site with the two-storey family homes addressing this edge. Additionally, connectivity back to the town centre was strengthened through the provision of a footpath which was improved along the ground of the Community Centre. This future-proofs further development towards the south and aligns with Age-Friendly Ireland’s walkability report, enhancing the Convent route and strengthening access to existing amenities in the town.

A refined palette of materials was used: buff and grey brick, light coloured render, grey roof tiles, canopies, windows / doors, along with three meter wide footpaths throughout in light grey brushed concrete or golden resin bound gravel. The simple detailing, materiality, proportion and style reference the vernacular, appropriate to the rural town location. Age-friendly features include Universal Design apartments at ground floor level and single storey houses with accessible bathrooms and level access showers/wet rooms. The outdoor areas have been carefully considered and thoughtfully programmed to provide meaningful activity for the residents. The central courtyard is a more formal garden setting which has the raised beds and pergolas, whereas the area to the west has a tear-drop walking circuit path in a less manicured landscaped area intended for wilding under the existing attractive mature trees. The raised bed planters are built to a height which double-up and affords the opportunity to sit and enjoy gardening with opportunity for social interaction. A small number of benches have been located strategically and the estate sign uses Irish limestone and again is set at a height which can be used as an additional rest point. The site’s topography was gently sloping and some effort was made to ensure accessibility and walkable routes. Together these age-friendly features support ageing-in-place in a familiar environment.

VDA were architect, PSDP, assigned certifier and design certifiers on the project. Dr. Verity Faith was the project architect through from inception to completion, supported by her team leader Denise Curtis and John Greenan on technical matters. Hayes Higgins Partnership provided the civil/structural and mechanical & electrical engineering consultancy and McGahon surveyors were quantity surveyors on the project. The project was constructed by Cunningham Contracts Group. Design decisions were worked through closely with Meath County Council and engagement with Age Friendly Ireland.