Standardised Design Approaches Study

Introduction

Priority Action 11 of Housing for All 2023 Update commits to ‘publish standardised approaches to the design of housing to include the development of standardised dwelling types and standardised specifications, including for building services, with the aim of reducing the cost of construction and supporting MMC adoption.’

The study is to be undertaken by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) for delivery in Q4 2024.

Aim & Scope

The aim is to raise awareness and promote adoption of standardised housing design, building on existing guidance such as the Design Manual for Quality Housing and LDA Apartment Typology Booklet but for a wider application than social and affordable housing.

The scope of the study is standardised design approaches for new build housing, apartments, duplexes and new typologies, applicable to private and public sector.

Approach

It is intended to appoint a consultant or consultant team to undertake the study on behalf of DHLGH. A Steering Group is in place, comprising representatives of the following:

Public Sector

• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) Planning/ Social Housing/ Affordable Housing/Policy, Legislation & Governance Divisions

• Modern Methods of Construction Leadership and Integration Group (MMC LIG)

• Land Development Agency (LDA)

• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

• Enterprise Ireland

Private Sector

• Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI)

• Irish Planning Institute (IPI)

• Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI)

• Construction Industry Federation (CIF)

• Property Industry Ireland/IBEC

• Association of Consultant Engineers of Ireland (ACEI)

• Irish Green Building Council (IGBC)

• MMC Ireland

The study will be delivered in 4 Work Stages

• Work Stage 1: Review existing publications and standards

• Work Stage 2: Develop a design matrix and selection criteria

• Work Stage 3: Develop up to seven model designs

• Work Stage 4: Prepare material for publication with a graphic designer

Stakeholder consultation will take place during the project at the conclusion of Work Stage 2 & 3 and there will be a public event following publication.

The work will also be aligned with the ‘ Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities ’ and dwelling typologies aligned with the density ranges in this document.

The deliverable is expected to be an open-source published report.