Sustainable Apartment Living in Ireland, Getting Urban Density Right

As Ireland grapples with a national housing crisis, increasing urbanisation, and ambitious climate targets, high-density apartment developments are becoming not just viable, but vital. Yet to many, apartment living still conjures images of cramped, soulless blocks.

Why Density Matters Now

Ireland’s population surpassed 5.3 million in 2024, the highest since the 19th century, with the Central Statistics Office projecting further growth. At the same time, over 70% of our population lives in urban areas, putting pressure on infrastructure, housing supply, and climate resilience.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, residential buildings account for nearly 25% of Ireland’s energy-related CO₂ emissions. The need for low-carbon, high-quality housing—delivered at scale—is urgent.

Putting People First in High-Density Housing

Apartment living must be more than functional—it must be desirable. Our multidisciplinary approach blends architecture, urban design, and placemaking to ensure every element of a development contributes to better lives and a better planet.

Key Design Principles We Incorporate:

• Smart Layouts: Maximising daylight, natural ventilation, and flexible internal spaces that support different family types and stages of life.
• Green Infrastructure: From SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) to rooftop gardens and biodiverse courtyards, we integrate nature at every level to support climate adaptation.
• Active Travel Integration: Secure bike storage, pedestrian-first streets, and links to greenways and public transport nodes support Ireland’s Climate Action Plan goal to reduce transport emissions by 50% by 2030.
• Community Amenities: Shared workspaces, social courtyards, and play areas that foster connection, reduce isolation, and minimise the need for car-based journeys.

Technology and Materials Matter Too

We’re embedding low-carbon technologies and modern methods of construction (MMC) into our residential projects to support performance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This includes:

• Air Source Heat Pumps and solar PV systems for clean, renewable energy.
• Fabric-first building envelopes that reduce heat loss and improve thermal comfort year-round.
• Advanced HVAC systems designed for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant wellbeing. In line with Ireland’s NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards, we incorporate mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems to provide continuous fresh air while minimising energy loss—particularly important in airtight, urban apartments.
• Offsite manufacturing techniques that reduce construction time, waste, and site disturbance.

These innovations not only support Ireland’s journey toward net-zero emissions, but also provide residents with healthier, more comfortable homes—future-proofed against changing climate conditions and rising energy costs.

Policy and Planning Alignment

Ireland’s National Planning Framework and Housing for All strategy call for compact growth and sustainable urban living. Yet, planning resistance and outdated perceptions of apartment living often slow down progress. We advocate for a shift in narrative—one that recognises apartments not as compromises, but as opportunities for sustainable, community-rich living.

Our Vision for Irish Cities

Imagine a Dublin where families thrive in energy-efficient apartments with shared gardens and rooftop play spaces. A Cork where young professionals walk or cycle to work. A Limerick where retirees enjoy connected, low-maintenance homes near green spaces. This is not idealism—it is practical, sustainable urbanism, and it’s already happening.

In Dublin, the pedestrianisation of parts of College Green and Capel Street—one of the longest traffic-free streets in Ireland—has significantly boosted footfall, with Dublin City Council reporting a 30% increase in pedestrian activity and a 60% rise in cycling volumes in newly restricted zones. Businesses in these areas have seen an uptick in trade, while residents benefit from cleaner air and quieter streets.

Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, has also embraced pedestrianisation, particularly around John Roberts Square and the Apple Market. These car-free zones have helped revitalise the city centre, encouraging local commerce and improving accessibility. A 2023 report from the Southern Regional Assembly highlighted that Waterford’s city centre renewal—anchored by pedestrian-friendly planning—contributed to a 15% increase in city-centre residential satisfaction.

International studies echo this impact: the European Environment Agency finds that access to walkable, low-traffic neighbourhoods is directly linked to better physical health, lower stress levels, and higher perceived quality of life.

For Ireland’s growing cities, combining high-density housing with active mobility infrastructure isn’t just sustainable—it’s a proven way to create more liveable, healthier urban communities.

At Fewer Harrington & Partners, we’re committed to designing and delivering residential developments that help Ireland grow smarter, greener, and fairer.

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Fewer Harrington & Partners is an Irish Architects Practice with offices in Waterford, Dublin and across the world. 

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