Having made good progress exploring the benefits of system building /prefabrication in the construction of two-storey housing (152 homes complete and 70 homes due for completion this year), Dublin City Council is now looking for contractors to apply system building to apartment construction.

We’ve launched an invitation for Expressions of Interest from Design & Build Contractors to deliver five apartments at 29-30 Fishamble Street, Dublin 8. The reference design, produced by a team led by Walsh Associates Architects in conjunction with City Architects, is currently available for public inspection and observation as part of the Part 8 Planning Application process.

The proposed development is five storeys and faced in brick to match the existing adjoining apartment buildings. It will consist of one 1-bedroom and four 2- bedroom apartments.

While it’s expected that these apartments will be delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) employing a high degree of off-site fabrication, they’ll be designed and constructed as permanent homes on this site, and are to be included in DCC’s standard housing stock. The development will be in compliance with all applicable Irish Building Regulations, statutory codes and requirements, and structural elements are required to have a guaranteed minimum 60 year life span. The apartments will also be designed to meet the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings Directive (NZEB).

The plans and particulars of the proposed development may be viewed in the Dublin City Council Office on Wood Quay.

Contractors who wish to express an interest in tendering for this project can view the invitation on www.etenders.gov.ie: RFT No.136954.

Fishamble Street is the first apartment project to be tendered under Dublin City Council’s system build programme with a further project to be tendered next month.