The Green, Malahide

Irish Landscape Institute Awards 2020: Commendation in Design (Public Park Category).

Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI), 2022 Winning Entry in the Local Authority Category for Contractor Peter O’Brien and Sons 

The Green in Malahide is a key part of the green infrastructure of Malahide Village.  It occupies a place between the busy Village Centre and the Sea.

The plan for the Green seeks to reaffirm its place as a centre within the village, and introduces historical ‘markers’ which hint and suggest historical uses on this particular space.

The plan for the Green proposes a central space subtly divided into three parts.

The Town Plaza is a paved open space and can be used for various cultural and commercial events. Feature raised planters incorporating seating, provide opportunity for rest and frame the entrance way into The Green

The Green Lawn central area serves as a protected and shady space surrounded by the undulating lawns and existing and proposed trees. This space provides informal play areas and space for events. The existing sculpture has been moved to the side and now addresses the road.

The Seaview Esplanade is a space for escape, for sitting and appreciating the view. Ample space is also provided for events such as markets. Raised seat walls allow panoramic views across Malahide Estuary and beyond to Lambay Island.

The composition is completed by a distinctive axis which leads across the space, providing a strong direct link between the Town Plaza and village and the wider extensive views of the estuary. This axis aligns to the steeple of St. Sylvesters Church.

The Green is a barrier-free space with the footpaths, roadways and the open lawns at a similar level. This solution physically and optically unites the whole space.

The Town Plaza to The Green has been enlarged, providing a new urban plaza at the transition space between the village and The Green.

This is the meeting point between town and nature, providing a visually distinct focus for the area and a major entry to The Green.

The existing mature trees and supplementary planting provide a unique setting adjacent to the hard landscape and raised planters.

Seating is provided to allow interaction and contemplation.

The paving pattern suggests an oyster/mussel shape, referencing the rich history of The Green, while also denoting a high quality focal area befitting the new plaza.

Contractor : Peter O’Brien and Sons