The Ard na Gréine Social Housing Development in Bray was completed in 2022 under the Accelerated Build Social Housing programme for Wicklow County Council. The development comprises 21 no.2 bed and 10 no.3 bed units and is less than 3km to the south of the town centre.
The accelerated build method consisted of a structural frame compromising panelised light gauge steel frames (LGSF) with integrated insulated wall panels built of site and delivered flat packed to the site for completion and delivery in a very short time period.
| PROJECT EXCELLENCE
The housing achieved a BER A2 rating using triple glazed, low conductivity, well insulated windows and doors, air-tight membranes and was built to a very high standard, meeting the requirement of Wicklow County Council. The houses have a high thermal conductivity which contributed to their high energy rating.
| TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Existing services on site such as wastewater, surface water, water mains and ESB had to be diverted during construction. This needed to be done carefully to ensure all houses served their functions.
A design-build programme was adopted allowing only eight weeks for design and design approval of all the developmental aspects prior on the project starting on site.
Due to construction sites closing down in early 2021 as a result of extraordinarily high COVID transmission rates, the project was put on hold for a period of time during covid lockdowns. As a result the construction period was lengthened. Managing the site when it was reopened had lots of challenges with PPE, monitoring workers wellness and covering staff who were off work sick.
| SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability measures are interwoven throughout this housing development such as:
- A2 BER rating
- Extremely energy efficient buildings
- Utilizing green spaces to provide surface water permeability
- LGS Framing System which reduces carbon footprint compared to traditional blockwork or timber construction
- Factory production of LGS Framing System reduces waste materials
- Triple glazed, low conductivity, well insulated windows and doors
- High quality air tight membranes
