Joseph Little, sub-contracting to The Architecture Company, brought the project from post-Planning through tender documentation (for all buildings) and completion of construction of Phase 1 (terraced and duplex housing) and the first half of Phase 2 (commercial, carpark and apartments). The Planning documents were created at the height of the Boom in a rush. Little's job was to put manners on them and make sure the completed building's at least complied with minimum standards. It was a tough job.
‘Pluvia House’, the central building of the Waterways Development features a 2-storey drum-shaped prestige office and a number of own-door offices and shops wrapped around a supermarket with 72 apartments on four sides above. It also has the largest green rood constructed in Ireland in 2006-7 at courtyard and roof levels.
The challenge was to optimize the energy efficiency of the design (within the Planning Permission) and safeguard key design features, while also improving services routes and constructability.
An external stairs and lift link the courtyard, ground level and underground carpark together. Zinc clad stairwells with butterfly-shaped roofs push up into the roof giving all residents access to this important amenity.