The new Medical Residential Treatment and Recovery Centre (MRTRC) for the Dublin Simon Community at Ushers Island establishes a new gateway landmark on the western approach to the city of Dublin along the River Liffey. The MRTRC, on the existing site of Dublin Simon’s well-established treatment service, was developed after full remediation of the site allowing a significant expansion of the facilities and services that are offered.
The 5,500sqm development includes a new five storey building over partial basement which wraps the site tight to the public edge creating a series of inner courtyards at basement, ground and first floor. Internally, there are 100 single ensuite bedrooms spread over six floors with accompanying living and treatment facilities, dining room, gymnasium and a range of training and administration offices together with reception. A full commercial kitchen is located in the basement.
The design for the building is a response to the narrow quayside site and the determination to create a sense of place and pride for the charity and their service. The familiar proportions of the brickwork façade to Ushers Island quay returns along Watling Street and Island Street in a more contemporary fashion making use of deep window reveals and a series of deeper façade returns to create a sense of both solidity and movement. The deep façade-returns allow light to penetrate the inner corridors of each floor and create a dramatic four storey entrance alcove on Watling Street. Corten steel panelling wraps the building as a protective plinth at ground level from the quays and continues into the alcove, lining it to each side and at the soffit.
The MRTRC building reflects the values of Dublin Simon Community which provides enduring, quality care for the city’s most vulnerable citizens by reimagining the materiality and proportions of Dublin’s Georgian vernacular in a contemporary impactful form.
LocationUshers Island, Dublin
ClientDublin Simon Community
ServiceFull Architectural Services, Employers Representative, Assigned Certifier, and PSDP
Area5,500sqm.
Value€25 million
StatusConstruction
PerformanceBER A2
