Overview of the Publication
The Housing Agency, a government body partnering with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, produced this policy insight on officeâtoâresidential conversions, authored by policy officers Nicola Turley and Roslyn Molloy. It presents two case studies from Tuairim Housing that illustrate how vacant commercial buildings were transformed into social housing, offering data on costs, carbon savings, and community outcomes.
Context of the Tuairim Housing Projects
Tuairim Housing delivered 86 homes at the Plaza Building in Dublinâs Park West Business Park and 35 homes at Springville House in Cork. Both sites were longâvacant commercial premises repurposed to address rising housing demand, especially for older tenants and rightsizing needs. The projects were supported by local authorities, developers, and funding from the Department of Housing and AIBâs Social Investment Fund.
Financial Highlights and Cost Efficiency
The average development cost per unit was âŹ309,000 at Park West Plaza and âŹ353,000 at Springville House, notably lower than the âŹ460,000âplus typical for a midârange twoâbedroom apartment in suburban Dublin. This cost advantage stems from reusing existing structures, reducing land acquisition and siteâwork expenses, and leveraging publicâprivate partnerships.
Carbon and Energy Performance Gains
Embodied carbon analyses show a 73 % reduction versus demolitionâandâreâbuild and a 62 % reduction compared with a new build of similar size. Energy ratings for the new homes are strong: Park West Plaza achieved 34 % Aârated and 66 % Bârated units, while Springville House recorded 20 A2ârated and 15 A3ârated apartments, translating into lower utility bills for residents.
Housing Supply Impact
A total of 121 new homes were created, delivering 86 apartments in Dublin and 35 in Cork. Park West Plaza now houses over 200 occupants formerly on Dublin City Councilâs waiting list, while Springville House provides ageâfriendly units for 60âplus tenants, including singleâstorey houses for additional accessibility.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement
Success relied on coordinated action among Tuairim Housing, local councils (Dublin City and Cork City), developers (Harcourt Developments, MMD Construction), and funding bodies. Continuous dialogue secured planning permission, facilitated allocation of units to waitingâlist applicants, and ensured design adaptations met residential standards.
Design Solutions for Residential Conversion
Key interventions included adding a penthouse floor, creating internal garden rooms, upgrading staircases, installing soundâproofing, individual heating metering, and providing communal amenities such as a community centre, gym, and childrenâs play area. Accessibility upgrades (lifts, code access, larger entrance doors) addressed the needs of older and mobilityâimpaired residents.
Community and WellâBeing Outcomes
Resident feedback highlights improved safety, security, and a sense of belonging. Community spaces foster social interaction, and the presence of onâsite caretakers and security cameras enhances livability. The projects also revitalised local economies, with reopened retail outlets and further planning applications nearby.
Challenges and Viability Considerations
Financial risk remained with developers due to fixedâprice contracts, and rising construction costs pose threats to project viability. Nevertheless, the lower perâunit cost and substantial carbon savings make conversions an attractive alternative to new builds, especially when sustainability metrics are incorporated into funding assessments.
Implications for PanâEuropean Sustainable Housing
These Irish case studies demonstrate that officeâtoâresidential conversions can deliver affordable, highâperformance housing while markedly reducing embodied carbon. The model offers a replicable pathway for European cities facing office vacancy, housing shortages, and climate targets, emphasizing the importance of multiâstakeholder collaboration, adaptable design, and supportive policy frameworks.

