Cuan na Gaillimhe Community National school consent
A significant milestone has been achieved for the new Cuan na Gaillimhe Community School development in Knocknacarra, Galway, with planning consent now achieved
We are pleased to have been granted permission to our design for a new primary school in Knocknacarra, Galway. The proposed school site adjoins the existing Coláiste na Coribe post primary school on Ballyburke road, Knocknacarra. The design provides a vibrant, accessible and welcoming learning environment with clear circulation, considered external spaces and flexibility for the future needs of the school
Entrance view (from Ballyburke road)
The ethos of the existing Cuan na Gallimhe primary school and its Steiner methods of education have been fully considered and embraced in this proposed school design where 'education is best achieved in a warm and joyful environment where children are actively engaged in the learning process'
The design in particular seeks to promote children having close contact with the natural environment & nature and promoting links to the community. The learning spaces are designed around a south-facing courtyard to provide an enhanced external environment which seamlessly interacts with the internal spaces to promote interaction beside inside & out and for the courtyard & site to essentially be an additional learning space
Courtyard view
While the site is somewhat unorthodox in shape and format, this has been maximized by aligning the building to the northern boundary of the site (and to better promote a sense of streetscape to Ballyburke road) while providing outdoor spaces to the south around the courtyard. This also helps to ensure where there is no overlooking to neighbouring residential to the south
The design also embraces a Galway city development plan ‘Local Centre’ planning objective where the GP hall provides a strong landmark to the corner of the site and with pedestrian links which promote integration and connection with both the existing and proposed community
The site is noted an elevated plot within Knocknacarra where it is thought the area derives its name from either 'Hill of the stone Crossing' (with reference to a causeway for which the Irish word is ‘Carra’) or Cnoc na Cathrach, 'Hill of the City'. There is much rock within the site (hence the name origin above!) which has been sought to be incorporated into the design where opportunity allows with the ‘nurturing’ of landscape through design
