Cuan an Chlair

Cuan Day-Care and Sheltered Housing

The Project

Cuan an Chláir commissioned a new development in Ennis to cater for the needs of the elderly. Built on a green field site in Cahercalla, Ennis, opposite Cahercalla Community Hospital, it offers secluded yet centrally located housing with high amenity value. The development comprises 12 houses for independent living as well as a 600 sq.m Day-Care Centre which provides eating facilities for up to 60 people. The centre also includes special activity rooms for computers and art, as well as physiotherapy. Special provision was made for disabled showers and baths.

The site of the new buildings is sloped, thus levels had to be calculated to offer good gradients for users. The ground conditions were quite reasonable and it was possible to provide traditional foot strip foundation to all parts of the scheme. To achieve the site levels, some areas required stripping and others filling – but overall, no materials had to be imported, which meant positive ecological impact.

The environmental engineering required an attenuation tank for surface water and a pumping station for the sewer. The scheme is also connected to mains gas with central gas heating in the Day-Care Centre and houses. For resident peace of mind, the scheme features a central-control automatic fire detection and alarm system, interconnected between the houses and the Day-Care Centre.

As Cahercalla Hospital is a protected structure, the project was procured in accordance with public procurement directives and under the New Government Works Contract.

Our Role

Project Management, Architectural Services, Structural and Civil Engineering, Fire Engineering and PSDP.