COADY Architects

The recently completed refurbishment of Cedral St Conleths Park in Newbridge marks a significant milestone for Kildare GAA and the local community. Designed by COADY Architects, the extensive redevelopment has breathed new life into the historic stadium, blending modern amenities with a deep respect for its heritage. Key features of the project include a new spectator stand, which replaces the old structure with a contemporary design offering around 3,000 covered seats. The upgraded stand includes four new changing rooms, medical facilities, a meeting room, and modern toilets, as well as a stylish VIP area—the Club Kildare Lounge & Bar—offering premium hospitality for supporters. A new playing pitch has been laid, expanding the field to better suit modern GAA standards, with a fully automated irrigation system ensuring year-round quality. The addition of new floodlights enhances the stadium's ability to host evening matches, while improved spectator access routes make the venue more welcoming and accessible. In addition to these modern upgrades, significant conservation work was carried out on the Athgarvan Road Gate and the boundary wall, both remnants of the site's historical past as a British Army Barracks. The project successfully balances cutting-edge design with the preservation of historical elements, creating a space that will serve the Kildare GAA community for generations to come. Cedral St Conleths Park now stands as a proud symbol of the county’s sporting heritage and future ambitions. Elliott Group Donnachadh O'Brien & Associates Carron + Walsh

COADY Director Tomas Sexton participated in a lively discussion at the Bisnow Conference on The Outlook of Residential Development, with fellow panelists Patrick Phelan, Hazel Jones , Claire Solon and John Tuohy, recently held at the Aviva Stadium. Rent caps, funding opportunity, supporting wider tenure mix, planning regulations and changes in design strategies were all part of the discussion. Tomas shared insights from our recent experiences navigating the planning process, emphasizing the importance of early and proactive engagement with planning authorities to streamline approvals and mitigate potential delays. He also highlighted the significant impact of new fire regulations on multi-unit residential design, noting that these regulations are driving innovative approaches to safety and compliance. Tomas discussed how these changes are influencing design strategies, leading to more resilient and adaptable residential developments that prioritize occupant safety without compromising on aesthetic and functional quality. . The main take away was private funding and improved infrastructure delivery and planning efficiencies are required to ramp up supply to meet the housing demand in the coming years. #rentcaps #designstrategies #planning #bisnow #residevelopment

COADY Architects had the privilege of presenting at the Education Buildings Ireland Conference & Exhibition, held at the RDS Dublin on November 6th and 7th, 2024. The event brought together thought leaders, industry professionals, and education stakeholders to discuss the future of school design and the built environment. Representing the practice, Donal O'Donohue and Conor Morrissey delivered an insightful presentation on the office’s approach to designing schools, with a particular emphasis on special education. Their presentation highlighted the challenges and opportunities in designing schools that not only meet the educational needs of diverse student populations but also support their well-being and development. In addition to the presentation, Will Gleeson from the practice contributed to a thought-provoking sofa session titled “10 Things to Stop Doing to Make Sustainable Buildings.” This session sparked lively discussion around sustainable design practices in education buildings, encouraging a rethinking of traditional approaches to materials, energy use, and long-term environmental impact. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our colleagues at the Department of Education — Ireland and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, along with our clients, fellow consultants, and contractors, for their collaboration and engagement throughout the conference. The presentations, discussions, and conversations made for a highly enriching experience, and we look forward to continuing our shared efforts in improving education spaces across Ireland. The Education Buildings Ireland Conference & Exhibition serves as a crucial platform for professionals in the education sector to connect, learn, and innovate. COADY Architects is proud to be part of this important conversation, championing inclusive design and sustainability in the buildings that shape the future of education.

🏃♂️🌟 COADY Architects Supports "Run in the Dark" 2024! 🌟🏃♀️ On the 13th of November, COADY Architects proudly joined thousands of participants in Dublin for the annual Run in the Dark charity event. This incredible initiative raises awareness and funds to support millions of people worldwide who are living with paralysis and do not have the option to run or walk. A number of our team members got involved, embracing the challenge and showing their support for the amazing work of the Mark Pollack Trust. We’re inspired by the energy, resilience, and community spirit this event fosters every year. A huge thank you to the organisers, supporters, and all participants for making a difference! Also a big congratulations to our colleague Rob Cross, for coming 3rd overall in the 5k race - a super achievement! #RunInTheDark #MarkPollockTrust #COADYArchitects #DesignWithPurpose #SupportForParalysis #TeamSpirit #CommunityImpact

This evening, we’re thrilled to take part in the AAI Housing Solutions Lecture Series, where we’ll be presenting Ellis Court, a project that embodies our commitment to innovative and sustainable design in housing. Ellis Court, delivered in partnership with Tuath Housing Association is a story of restoration, community, and creating homes that respect the past while looking toward the future. Tonight, we’ll delve into the challenges, solutions, and design principles that brought this unique housing project to life. We’re eager to share insights and engage in meaningful conversations about how architecture can address Ireland’s housing needs with creativity, sustainability, and empathy. The last few tickets can be purchased at the below link: https://lnkd.in/ebXx9pzn #COADYArchitects #EllisCourt #AAIHousingSolutions #Architecture #SustainableHousing #CommunityDesign #Innovation #DCC

COADY Architects hosted our end-of-year #townhall presentation at the Stella Cinemas in Ranelagh, bringing the entire team together to celebrate a productive year and share ambitious goals for the future. The agenda was rich, covering a company update with an emphasis on future direction, a spotlight on our ongoing 3rd Level Education projects, and a presentation on the Irish Cities in Crisis initiative—a vital project addressing urban challenges through innovative and resilient design. Attendees also enjoyed updates on COADY Wellness activities and plans for our upcoming Christmas celebrations, making it a memorable evening for everyone. In our 3rd Level Education portfolio update, we traced COADY Architects' longstanding contributions to universities and colleges nationwide, from Letterkenny to Tralee, highlighting current projects at Trinity College Dublin and within the Higher Education PPP Programme (Bundle 1). The E3 Learning Foundry at Trinity College Dublin, a 7,250 sq. m interdisciplinary teaching facility, is set to reach substantial completion in the coming weeks. Working in collaboration with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), the facility unites Engineering, Computer Science, and Natural Science in a cross-disciplinary environment that will bring 1,800 additional students to campus. This transformative project includes advanced teaching spaces, labs, social learning areas, and educational rooftop gardens, revitalizing the Parade Ground and the east side of Trinity’s historic campus. In the Higher Education PPP Programme (Bundle 1), the first of six new buildings was recently handed over at (TUD) Blanchardstown. COADY Architects, in collaboration with Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios and BDP, has led the architectural vision for this initiative, which will introduce new facilities across six Technological Universities. Noteworthy developments include a STEM facility at Technological University of the Shannon, a Learning Resource Centre and STEM facility at Munster Technological University, a Culinary Arts and Engineering facility at TUD, and a Digital Media facility at the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, and Technology. The remaining five buildings are set for completion in the coming months, bringing enhanced learning environments to institutions across Ireland. The evening concluded with the exciting announcement of four new Associates: Natalia Brakowska, John Campbell, Cormac Fahey, and John Meehan. Each has demonstrated outstanding dedication, creativity, and leadership, making significant contributions to COADY’s success and culture. Their promotions underscore our commitment to excellence and our confidence in their ability to drive future projects to new heights. It was an inspiring evening, reinforcing COADY Architects' dedication to impactful design and a vibrant future. As we look forward to a busy close of the year and a successful 2025, we are energized by our team’s talent and the exciting path ahead.

COADY Architects is delighted to announce our participation in the Education Building Ireland Conference, taking place on November 6-7 at the RDS Dublin. Donal O'Donohue, Director, and Conor Morrissey, Associate, will present on Stage 2 at 1 PM on November 6, addressing the topic “Urban Schools for Special Education Needs.” During our talk, we will share our design philosophy for educational facilities, with a particular focus on urban schools. Through various examples of our special school designs, we will demonstrate how we leverage context and neighbourhood characteristics as valuable amenities. Our approach places both staff and students at the centre of our projects, fostering inspiring learning environments. We look forward to connecting with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders over the course of the event. https://lnkd.in/daZMu_SH

Irish Cities in Crisis, the most comprehensive exploration of Irish cities to date, was launched Tuesday evening at the National Gallery of Ireland. Edited by Jim Coady FRIAI, founding partner of COADY Architects, David Browne FRIAI of RKD, and Dr Carole Pollard FRIAI, the book is published by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). Spanning 678 pages, it features contributions from 29 experts and includes case studies and examples from successful European cities.   The book calls for a radical transformation in how Irish cities are financed, governed, and planned. It emphasizes that cities are the engines of our social, economic, and cultural lives, and must be shaped with imagination and care. The contributors, leading voices in the built environment, address a wide range of critical issues affecting urban areas.   While Irish Cities in Crisis highlights current deficits, it also proposes actionable solutions and initiatives to tackle the challenges our cities face. It advocates for collaboration between civil society and local, regional, and national governments to drive meaningful change. Great cities and towns are the foundation of our future. There is much work ahead, and this book will serve as a valuable reference, guiding the way forward.  

Tomas Sexton, Director at COADY Architects will be speaking at the Bisnow IRELAND'S RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE on Thursday, Nov 21st. There is a really interesting and diverse range of speakers planned, so it is sure to be a really inforamtive day. More information and tickets can be purchased at the below link. https://lnkd.in/eYgPpAGp

COADY Architects presented at last weeks Construct Innovate webinar on Low Energy Buildings: Why monitoring the performace of buildings is important - lessons learnt. Stephan Carter, spoke about our recent expereince in #PostOccupancyEvaluation (POE) and the lessons we have learnt from monitoring our 42 unit social housing scheme Kilbride Court, Bray. The project implemented a 10 step plan for biodiversity, scored 87% in sustainable location, 76% in universal design and carried out post occupancy evaluations giving actual delivered energy consumption of 55 kWh/m2/yr (equating to primary energy 110 kWh/m2/yr) overheating at 0.9% and C02 levels of 626 PPM. These findings have been critical to informing design decisions of our ongoing projects. Kilbride Court was published as a case study in Passive House+ Issue 40 , as an exemplar project in Sustainable and Affordable Housing Report  by the World Green Building Council  and as a case study in Examination of Innovation/Efficiencies in Design of Affordable Housing to be published by the Housing Agency. The webinar is available to watch at the below link and be sure to keep an eye on the other webinars in the series by following Construct Innovate and Engineers Ireland. #sharethelearning #sustainabledesign #POE #monitoring #lowenergy #thewayforward