A crescent of blue houses facing a row of tactile timber homes represents two hands cupped in a nurturing way, says architect Gerry Cahill. That is appropriate for this scheme in Donabate, north Dublin, which provides "transitional housing" for families who have reached a crossroads in their lives. It was commissioned by Sophia Housing Association which was set up by Jean Quinn and Eamonn Martin, who previously worked for Focus Ireland. "The idea is to not only meet an immediate housing need, but to nurture children in order to prevent a cycle of homelessness," says Geraldine O'Hanlon, project leader. To this end there is a crèche on site as well as a community centre where all sorts of meetings take place to teach self-respect and household management skills, and encourage further education and employment.
