The Killarney Mental Health Residential Unit is a 40-bed facility that sets a new benchmark in mental health care in Ireland. Designed to provide quality accommodation and ongoing care, it supports older individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment, as well as adults with severe and enduring mental illnesses.
This facility comprises four ten-bedroom “households,” each designed according to the “Teaghlach” (household) model, which emphasises resident-centred care, with one of these households functioning as a rehabilitation unit. In addition, the unit features a central communal module and a District Main Kitchen, which serves the broader Killarney Residential Services and community.
The design of the unit focuses on creating a non-institutional environment that promotes emotional well-being. Each household includes integrated social spaces, private landscaped courtyards, and therapy areas. The rehabilitation module is equipped with therapy rooms, a training kitchen, a therapy courtyard, and a patient laundry, with a primary focus on occupational therapy. The building’s exterior presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional rendered masonry walls and pitched slate roofs. The secure households are arranged around internal landscaped gardens, enhancing the domestic scale with warm wall colours and naturally lit circulation spaces.
The project was delivered under a Design and Build contract with BAM Contractors for the HSE South. The exemplar design, initially developed by Reddy Architects, was followed by O’Connell Mahon Architects’ involvement, who saw the project through to completion. The Killarney Mental Health Residential Unit provides a supportive environment catering to medium to long-term stays, where residents can live meaningful lives while receiving necessary care.
LocationKerry
ClientHSE South / BAM Contractors
ServiceArchitectural Services to Contractor and PSDP
Value€9 million
StatusCompleted
