Twenty Years On: Dublin’s Wooden Eco Apartments Bloom
Two decades after Dublin embraced timber-built living, the city’s eco-friendly apartments remain a model of sustainable urban design. The eight residential units tucked off Pleasants Street and near Camden Street helped pioneer modern timber construction, pairing natural materials with energy-efficient systems to create a home that feels both tranquil and distinctly city-ready.
The Daintree: a pioneer in Dublin’s eco housing
Designed by Solearth Architecture in the mid-2000s, the building uses timber for structure and a lime-and-copper finish to blend with the surrounding urban landscape. Inside, low-emission features and generous daylight were prioritized to produce a light-filled, low-energy home. A sheep’s wool insulation regime, solar thermal panels, and a geothermal heating system—one of Dublin’s early large-scale heat pump installations—helped push the complex toward an A3 energy rating. On-demand hot water and on-site glass recycling further anchored the project as a practical, forward-thinking living space.
Apartment 4: light, space and a life story
When Tana Kaplan Gray, a Seattle-born mother of two, viewed Apartment 4, she felt an immediate connection to the home and its ethos. The south-facing living area, expansive windows and a balcony create an airy feel that remains welcoming in winter. The interior blends white walls with a kitchen featuring wood and granite countertops, and reclaimed timber floors in the open-plan space, resulting in a design that feels timeless and easy to maintain.
Kaplan Gray and her husband, who met at Trinity College, were drawn not only to the architecture but to the personal land around the place. Her grandmother, Deborah Spiro, lived nearby, and family lore suggests a Bloom connection—residents nearby have long argued that the character Leopold Bloom in Joyce’s Ulysses was inspired by local families. The couple bought the property in their late 20s and used the apartment as a first home together before renting it out as life or plans evolved.
Living as part of an urban oasis
The courtyard beneath the homes, landscaped by Robert Heslip and enclosed by bamboo walls, offers an unexpectedly serene retreat in a busy city. Nearby amenities include the Cake Café, and the area is a short stroll from Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green. The small-scale complex exudes a neighborly vibe, with residents often gathering in the courtyard and sharing a sense of community that was ahead of its time for Dublin’s eco housing scene.
Why this listing matters today
Now on the market for €495,000, Apartment 4 represents a rare blend of historic eco design and modern city living. The current owners decided to move on from landlord responsibilities, making way for a buyer who values energy efficiency, durable materials and a quiet, light-filled home in the heart of Dublin. For a purchaser seeking a walkable location with a sustainable, timber-clad aesthetic, this property offers a compelling opportunity.
A literary thread that lingers
Beyond the architecture and the courtyard greenery, the story ties to Dublin’s literary past. The suggestion that Leopold Bloom’s inspiration sprang from local families adds a layer of narrative charm to owning a home in this part of the city. It’s a reminder that Dublin’s urban fabric continues to bloom in unexpected ways, decades after the first eco-focused buildings rose to meet the city’s evolving needs.
