Merrion Road Apartments, Dublin

Design meets resilience – living on Dublin’s coast

A new apartment complex has been built in Dublin’s Ballsbridge neighbourhood: Located on Merrion Road, it is also known as ‘143 Merrion Road Apartments’. A total of 63 flats and penthouses in various sizes provide living space for singles, couples and families.

Initiated by the Lioncor housing association, this project is a successful example of modern residential construction and also fulfils high architectural standards. Special attention was paid to durability, aesthetics and environmental compatibility during the planning phase. Located directly on Ireland’s eastern coast, a building envelope was also required that could withstand the elements and offer an elegant, contemporary look.

Podcast episode:

Groß (143 Merrion Rd CIB Edits PRINT -19)

Harmonious combination

Viewed from above, the complex takes on the shape of the letter L – and a colour change between two shades of grey, which leads to a beige-red on the corner. This play of colours is also reflected in the façade when viewed from the street. The building is thus subtly divided into different segments. The clinker bricks of the individual residential blocks are matched to the roof surfaces and vice versa: Kalzip’s aluminium standing seam profiles in the matt colours RAL 7044 (silk grey), RAL 7045 (telegrey 1), RAL 3012 (beige-red) meet the aesthetic requirements and at the same time guarantee resistance in a harsh marine environment.

“Our aluminium profiles have been manufactured to marine grade to ensure high corrosion resistance, which is a necessity given the proximity to the coast and the prevailing sea air. The coating and material technology developed by Kalzip is ideally suited to these conditions and makes the system a long-term, low maintenance solution for the project,” says Trevor Smyth, Regional Sales Manager for Midlands, Wales and Ireland.

Groß (143 Merrion Rd CIB Edits PRINT -9)

Complex geometry

The roof of the new building is characterised by its unusual shape: Different angles meet a layered geometry. The specialised installation team from Lynch Roofing Systems implemented the complex vision using Kalzip’s adaptable standing seam system: the Kalzip 50/429 profile enabled the precise design of ridge connections, valley gutters and curved elements.

Thanks to its adaptability, the geometric architecture intended by the planners could be retained while at the same time ensuring structural robustness and weather resistance. The standing seam lines also emphasise the architectural profile and offer a dynamic interplay of light and shadow on the surfaces.

Groß (143 Merrion Rd CIB Edits PRINT -13)

Environmental friendliness

In addition to its visual and structural advantages, the Kalzip system makes a significant contribution to the environmental concept of the building. Its recyclability supports the principles of the circular economy. The insulated structure of the Kalzip system also improves thermal performance and contributes to the energy efficiency of the building.

Kalzip’s resistance to salt corrosion and weathering ensures that the system will perform and look as intended for decades, making it an ideal choice for coastal residential developments such as Merrion Road.