Kinnegad is at the point where the main roads to the west and northwest diverge, now populated by many who commute to Dublin. Westmeath County Council required a design that would preserve the rural character of the site, and attain a higher site density than usual for the area. The brief was to incorporate sustainable construction and cost-in-use considerations.The scheme provides for 88 houses at a density of 11 units per acre, with a mixture of single, two and three storey units. By providing a circulation route around the perimeter of the site, the existing hedgerows are retained, and a connection is made into the popular walking route from the village. Sustainable elements include the use of natural lime renders and mortar, a first for a housing scheme in Ireland.
After construction commenced, a burial ground dating from approximately 800AD was discovered on the site. Construction continued in areas unaffected by the finds while the archaeological digs continued. The location of the burial ground made it impossible to continue with the original scheme. The first two phases of 58 houses were completed in late 2008. A new scheme has been devised for the area around the burial ground that will incorporate it into a semi-circular village green. New terraces of 30 houses will address the new green, respecting the past but also providing for the housing needs of the locality.
Kinnegad is at the point where the main roads to the west and northwest diverge, now populated by many who commute to Dublin. Westmeath County Council required a design that would preserve the rural character of the site, and attain a higher site density than usual for the area. The brief was to incorporate sustainable construction and cost-in-use considerations.The scheme provides for 88 houses at a density of 11 units per acre, with a mixture of single, two and three storey units. By providing a circulation route around the perimeter of the site, the existing hedgerows are retained, and a connection is made into the popular walking route from the village. Sustainable elements include the use of natural lime renders and mortar, a first for a housing scheme in Ireland.
After construction commenced, a burial ground dating from approximately 800AD was discovered on the site. Construction continued in areas unaffected by the finds while the archaeological digs continued. The location of the burial ground made it impossible to continue with the original scheme. The first two phases of 58 houses were completed in late 2008. A new scheme has been devised for the area around the burial ground that will incorporate it into a semi-circular village green. New terraces of 30 houses will address the new green, respecting the past but also providing for the housing needs of the locality.
