The newly-constructed apartments boast excellent Building Energy Ratings – some with ratings as high as A3 – and could reduce fuel costs to residents by up to 70%. The high BERs can be attributed to various energy efficiency measures such as low energy design, energy conservation and a community heating system.

It is estimated that these measures will result in over 50% reduction in both energy usage and CO2 emissions according to project energy advisors, Codema. The redevelopment by Dublin City Council includes 66 new council apartments arranged in five blocks with communal spaces on the ground floor and three roof gardens. A major feature of this redevelopment is the use of solar panels on the roof, which provide hot water for the residents. Highly-efficient condensing gas boilers back up the solar panels at peak load. The majority of blocks have a group heating system, with individual apartments fitted with heat exchangers and heat meters to accurately measure and bill individual energy users. Timbers from the original floor joists in the demolished building were salvaged and reused as part of the new roof structure. Rainwater from the main roofs is collected for use in the gardens, to conserve water and reduce flooding.

A smaller mews development to the rear is constructed in brick and timber with lime render finish to the external walls. Green roofs are also incorporated, helping to restore the vegetated footprint that was lost when the original buildings were constructed.