Shanganagh Castle Receives Passivhaus Classic
DBFL are proud to have provided civil and structural engineering services for the Shanganagh Castle in Shankill, Co. Dublin, a landmark residential development that has recently achieved Passivhaus Classic certification for 546 apartments and 51 houses. This milestone represents a significant advancement for large-scale housing in Ireland, demonstrating that high-performance, fabric-first design can be successfully delivered at scale while supporting national sustainability targets.
The development comprises 546 apartments across eight residential blocks and 51 houses, alongside a creche and community amenities, delivered on behalf of the Land Development Agency in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Designed to meet stringent Passivhaus criteria, the scheme achieves a heating load threshold of less than 10 W/m², supported by a district heating network and a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary design approach.
Sustainability was embedded throughout the project lifecycle. Innovative engineering solutions included soil stabilisation to reduce excavation and material export, precast driven piling to minimise waste, and a raised site profile to limit environmental impact. A comprehensive Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) strategy was implemented, incorporating green roofs, permeable paving, rain gardens and filter drains to manage surface water naturally.
A key environmental feature of the site, the existing pond, has been carefully preserved and integrated into the drainage design, maintaining water levels and protecting local ecology through controlled runoff, filtration and ecological oversight.
DBFL’s collaborative approach ensured the successful phased delivery of this complex scheme, contributing to the creation of a resilient, energy-efficient and sustainable community while supporting the transition towards mainstream Passivhaus delivery in Ireland.
