Site at Springvale, Chapelizod.

This is the second of seven posts reviewing progress made in 2020 and outlining our project targets for this year. This post covers new-build public housing delivered via Design & Build contracts, and incorporating traditional or modern methods of construction; sometimes referred to as ‘rapid delivery, system build’ or ‘volumetric’ construction.

System build or projects incorporating modern methods of construction are being delivered by Dublin City Council’s City Architects Division, who manage external architect led consultant design teams and design & build contractors. City Architect in-house engineers manage project site investigation and site enabling works. The current programme focuses on apartment developments which is more complex than system-build two-storey housing. Construction is ongoing on 261 homes on four sites, and designs are being progressed for further developments on a number of other sites.

Housing at Cork Street. Image: Levitt Bernstein Architects

COVID 19 has impacted our project programmes, and the resultant delays have varied depending on the project stage i.e. feasibility, design, planning or construction stages. Project programmes on-site have suffered directly due to COVID 19 related shutdowns, and again due to the imposition of revised working procedures to comply with safe working requirements and protective distancing.