This article is from page 31 of the 2007-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
A SOCIAL housing project in Clare- castle – Cluain Ard – has been short- listed for a national design award.
“This scheme is one of three Local Authority schemes selected to go for- ward to the final and is an example of excellent design standards, including safety, security and comfort for its’ 46 residents,” said housing officer, Nora Kaye.
She explained, “Clare County Council is delighted that the Clare- castle scheme has been named as a finalist in this year’s ‘Irish Council For Social Housing Design Competi- tion’. Being shortlisted by the ICSH is a tribute to the impressive scheme designed by Hassett Leyden Archi-
tects and constructed by KC Devel- opment.”
According to local councillor Ber- nard Hanrahan, “This is a very pres- tigious award and is befitting to the excellent standard of housing deliv- ered here.”
The awards ceremony takes place ENroommdevcwertenioey
Cluain Ard is Clare County Coun- cil’s latest social housing develop- ment and is the council’s first venture in the purchase of turnkey housing units. The 22 units in the scheme were designed in 2005, in consulta- tion with Clare County Council to what the council describes as “a high standard of design, usability and comfort to its recently appointed ten- ZNO
A council spokeswoman said that the “setting of the scheme, in a quiet but very central area in Clarecastle balances the need for peace and tran- quillity as well as the need for easy access to services including retail, community, religious, employment, transport and recreation.”
As well as housing, the scheme has a day care centre, creche, community hall, school, church, shops, medical facilities, recreational facilities 1n- cluding a hand ball alley and a foot- ball pitch, bus stop and post office are all within walking distance of the estate.
The homes boast usability for all and cater for single parents, families, people with special needs, travellers and elderly. Eleven of the homes are
on the ground floor, making all living spaces and bedrooms totally accessi- ble to those with mobility problems,
Each home has a private, walled back garden, accessible from a patio door in the living area. The upstairs dwellings also have a walled back garden, accessible through a gate at the side.
Each home has a master bedroom with en-suite facilities, which could also convert into a family room, given it’s generous size of 16.5m sq, excluding the en-suite.
“The highest standards have been used in installing heat/smoke de- tectors, safety locks on doors and windows and non-slip surfaces on the kitchen area,’ the spokeswoman added.