ACT Studio

Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan Designing Ireland's first Forest Town 🌳🌿 Slide 2 - The context A fast-growing town in Co.Wicklow, shapes by strong natural assets but facing pressure from car dependency and limited civic space. Slide 3 - The vision A community-led plan to become Ireland's first Forest Town where nature shapes how the town grows and connects. Slide 4 - The approach Connecting people and places through: - Forest trails & green corridors - Safer walking and cycling - A revitalised town centre Slide 5 - Key moves From a traffic dominated Main Street to a people-first place, new civic spaces, heritage trails and connected green networks. Slide 6 - The impact A more connected, climate-ready town supporting biodiversity, wellbeing and everyday life. 👉Explore the full project /work/newtownmountkennedy

Final chance to apply! We’re hiring architectural interns! We’re looking for motivated interns to join our team in Ballina, Co. Mayo. This 9-month paid internship is a chance put university theory into practice within a small, supportive team. You will be fully involved in the design process, from co-design workshops with local residents to developing 3D models for regenerative urban strategies. At ACT you will: • Work on projects that prioritise people and planet • See how community voices shape design • Build your portfolio and professional experience • Be supported by a small, collaborative team We are looking for someone with: • At least three years of architecture study (Part 1 equivalent) • A strong portfolio • Experience with Revit, Rhino or Adobe (Grasshopper a bonus) • The right to work in Ireland • A willingness to relocate to Ballina Interested? Send your CV, portfolio and cover letter to [email protected] 🔗 Full details via the LinkedIn link in bio #architectureinternship #architecturalintern #architecturestudents #irisharchitecture #architecturejobs #designinternship #regenerativedesign #codesign #urbanism #architecturepractice #climateactiondesign #ballinamayo #mayocounty #irishdesign #architecturelife

Slide 1 — Adaptive reuse for social and environmental impact The future begins with what we already have. ACT creates architecture that strengthens communities and supports a more sustainable future. Slide 2 — Ballyforan Community Centre, Co. Roscommon A historic coach house now in ruins reimagined as a multi-use centre for a growing village, supporting gathering, sport and community life. Slide 3 — Scotch House, Ballina, Co. Mayo A heritage building transformed into a hub for multi-generational living, challenging assumptions about life in rural town centres. Slide 4 — RHA West, Ballina, Co. Mayo The former Garda Station becomes the Western home of the Royal Hibernian Academy, bringing contemporary art and cultural energy to Ballina. Slide 5 — Ballyforan Courthouse Retrofit, Co. Roscommon A long-serving village building revived as an energy-efficient community space with remote working, study areas and rooms for local activity. Slide 6 — Claremont House, Co. Roscommon A once-ruined historic house reimagined for community use, with outdoor rooms, glamping support and social spaces for everyday activity. Slide 7 — Savoy Village, Sligo A dense town-centre site explored through gamification and community input, proposing commercial spaces, amenities and 22–96 new homes. Slide 8 — Woodlands Modernises family living without adding floor area. By replanning within the existing footprint and upgrading performance from the fabric out, Woodlands keeps the structure in use, targets A1 energy performance and sets out a repeatable template for similar homes across rural Ireland. #ImpactArchitecture #AdaptiveReuse #IrishArchitecture #SustainableArchitecture #RegenerativeDesign #CommunityArchitecture #RuralDesign #HousingDesignIreland #SpatialJustice #TownCentreLiving #CulturalArchitecture #HeritageReuse #CommunitySpace #LowCarbonDesign #LandscapeDesign #BungalowBliss#CommunityLedDesign #ArchitectureForChange

We’re hiring architectural interns! We’re looking for motivated interns to join our team in Ballina, Co. Mayo. This 9-month paid internship is a chance put university theory into practice within a small, supportive team. You will be fully involved in the design process, from co-design workshops with local residents to developing 3D models for regenerative urban strategies. At ACT you will: • Work on projects that prioritise people and planet • See how community voices shape design • Build your portfolio and professional experience • Be supported by a small, collaborative team We are looking for someone with: • At least three years of architecture study (Part 1 equivalent) • A strong portfolio • Experience with Revit, Rhino or Adobe (Grasshopper a bonus) • The right to work in Ireland • A willingness to relocate to Ballina Interested? Send your CV, portfolio and cover letter to [email protected] 🔗 Full details via the LinkedIn link in bio 📸 Image credit: mayo-ireland.ie #architectureinternship #architecturalintern #architecturestudents #irisharchitecture #architecturejobs #designinternship #regenerativedesign #codesign #urbanism #architecturepractice #climateactiondesign #ballinamayo #mayocounty #irishdesign #architecturelife

How ACT Works - Design across architecture, urbanism, visions and strategy, and impact at scale. Our mission - ACT works to deliver regenerative design solutions in Ireland's built environment that positively impact people and planet. We aim to create places that are inclusive, sustainable and life-enhancing. What we do - Our work spans buildings, public spaces, long-term strategies and community-led visions. Every project focuses on reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life. We design with care because what we build shapes the future. @actstudio.ie #ArchitectureStudioIreland #UrbanDesign #CommunityArchitecture #SustainableArchitecture #ImpactArchitecture #RegenerativeDesign

Have a big idea for your youth centre? We provide the tools, you bring the vision. ACT is a partner in NEBYC, and we’re inviting youth centres across Ireland to apply for this free Erasmus+ opportunity. NEBYC helps youth centres become spaces that are beautiful, sustainable and open to all. Ireland is one of just five countries taking part alongside Italy, Greece, Slovakia, and Spain. Selected youth centres will get: • free online NEB training • a one day in-person Hackathon (all expenses paid) • networking with youth centres across Europe • a chance to win €1,000, €3,000 or €5,000 Apply now via the link in our bio. Deadline: 28th February 2026. #erasmus #neweuropeanbauhaus #youth @celei_coolreg @itinerariparalleli @odyssea.greece @slovakecoquality

Our latest installation in O'Hora's Lane is 'Ida', a functional artwork by @rionach_ni_neill which was specially commissioned by Cascade. A sculpture of a woman's face, it also serves a utility as a downpipe, directing water from the pitched roof into one of Cascade's bespoke planters. Downpipes carry out essential, but often overlooked work and this, coupled with the name O'Hora's Lane, served as inspiration to the artist. It is named after Ida O’Hora, who was a fearless organiser and intelligence courier during the War of Independence, who risked everything for Ireland’s freedom. Though the lane isn’t named after her, this new sculptural piece brings her story back into view. “There is no plaque for Ida in Ballina; no street will bear her name.” Ida was a Ballina native who, at just 19, founded the town’s Cumann na mBan branch. After her arrest in 1923, she endured 21 months’ imprisonment before resuming civilian life, marrying in 1938 and passing away in St Joseph’s Hospital, Ballina in 1966. She had a full military honours at her funeral at St Muredach’s cathedral. Find out more about Ida O’Hora at: https://www.clarkecollection.ie/whats-on/blog/item/345-ida-o-hora-ballina-s-brave-soldier-of-cumann-na-mban @jackieclarkecollection Ríonach worked with project manager and installer Paddy Bloomer and fabricators Tarco Pressings to create the work.

For decades, urban planning has prioritised cars—leaving us with roads, parking lots, and fewer places for people. This car-centric model harms health, reduces green space, and slows the shift to sustainable transport. At ACT, we design a better reality through regenerative urban development. We go beyond “do no harm” to actively restore and enhance our towns for people and the planet. How we rethink urban spaces: ✅ Prioritise People – safe, welcoming streets that encourage social life ✅ Reallocate Space – transforming car-dominated areas into green, vibrant places ✅ Integrate Nature – trees, gardens, and biodiversity woven into the city ✅ Foster Community – participatory design that builds civic pride ✅ Boost Local Economy – mixed-use areas that support local commerce The image shown was imagined by ACT Architect Simone Broglia @simob.photo while working on Blessington’s Market Square Regeneration project. By re-prioritising people and sustainable transport, we can create healthier, fairer, and more vibrant places. Ready to rethink your urban spaces? Connect with our team to explore how regenerative design can transform your community. #RegenerativeUrbanism #UrbanRegeneration #GreenTransition

Huge thank you to @hometreecharity and @acceleratingchangetogether for hosting the kick-off of "Community Conversations", a series of 10 workshops, walks and talks across Ireland dedicated to shaping Ireland's 25-year Nature Restoration Plan through community engagement. @rayofoghlu ,Development Lead at Hometree, James McConville, Managing Director at ACT, @ollieoflahrty , @cleancoasts Development Officer, and Caroline created an amazing space for the insights and experiences of local communities to contribute to the implementation of National legislation. Later on, Cormac McGinley , @cormacscoast guided us along Lahinch Beach, through rain, wind and shine, to discuss the history, politics and science behind environmental policy in Ireland. We are so excited to be part of this collaborative consultation project, participating in crucial discussions, hearing lived experiences and having the opportunity to shape a plan that reflects the needs of Ireland's people and places. We reflected on what nature means to us, how it has changed in our lifetimes, and what we would like to see in the future. It was truly inspiring to speak with the local community about their deep rooted connection with the nature around them and gain greater insight into existing local initiatives cohesive with Coastwatch's mission, dedicated to protecting and restoring threatened ecosystems. The next “Community Conversation” will focus on upland ecosystems, on September 25th in Iveragh, Co. Kerry! More info about upcoming events here: https://www.npws.ie/news/minister-o%E2%80%99sullivan-launches-nationwide-%E2%80%98community-conversations%E2%80%99-nature-restoration

Where did the idea for a green wall in O’Hora’s Lane come from? Find out more in this short animated video made by the Cascade team with @acceleratingchangetogether #climateaction #creativeprocess #climate #water #rainwaterstorage #urbangreening ##codesign #communityengagement

Last summer, we transformed our new office in the Innovation Quarter, Ballina, into a sustainable workspace! Using zero-waste design principles, we created a modular system—built by Jamie Clabburn—that minimizes waste while maximizing flexibility. Made from Coillte’s MEDITE SMARTPLY, a durable, eco-friendly material sourced from off-cuts of new-growth forestry, our design ensures sustainability without compromise. Scalable and adaptable, it meets our immediate and future needs while staying true to our mission of accelerating the Green Transition. Looking for low-impact, innovative solutions for your space? Let’s collaborate! #act #architecture #zerowaste

Sustainable Luxury at The Red Bank Hotel ✨ Redefining tourism in Carrick-on-Shannon, ACT introduces Circularity to the hotel industry through Design for Disassembly (DfD) A new luxury 12-suite, boutique hotel extension with thermal suite at The Red Bank Restaurant, in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon has made it through the planning process. The project’s contemporary extension is designed to harmonize with the original Victorian redbrick building, offering a unique luxurious experience for travelers to the Hidden Heartlands and Wild Atlantic Way. Each bedroom has been carefully designed to enhance Carrick-on-Shannon’s appeal as a top destination. In our development process we used Design for Disassembly (DfD) processes in the construction. This innovative approach ensures materials can be reused, recycled, or reclaimed, responding directly to one of Ireland’s biggest waste challenges construction and demolition waste, which is the country’s largest waste stream. To learn more about DfD or discuss how we can support your next project leave a comment below, DM or email us by links in the profile! #act #architecture #designfordissasembly