The Belgard Mixed-Use Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) is located at Belgard Square East, Tallaght, in a rapidly transforming urban district. Situated between the TU Dublin Tallaght campus and key civic and transport nodes, the site occupies a strategic position within South Dublin’s urban fabric. Commissioned by Midsal Homes Limited, Studio Glasú prepared the landscape masterplan in collaboration with Donnelly Turpin Architects, with a vision to create a vibrant, sustainable, and cohesive development that strengthens Tallaght’s evolving identity.

The project had to respond to a highly urbanised context characterised by heavy traffic routes, fragmented public spaces, and competing demands for accessibility, amenity, and ecology. The challenge lay in integrating a dense mixed-use development into its surroundings while ensuring permeability and a strong sense of place. Essential functional requirements—including fire tender access, drainage, and services—needed to be incorporated seamlessly without undermining the quality of the public realm. Above all, the design had to deliver meaningful public space that serves both residents and the wider Tallaght community.

The landscape strategy is anchored by two key interventions: a new public realm and central piazza that establishes an east–west connection across the site, and a first-floor communal podium garden at the heart of the residential blocks. The piazza functions as a civic focal point, framed by active frontages and designed with the flexibility to host cultural events, markets, outdoor dining, and everyday social activity. A series of planted islands punctuate the streetscape, softening its urban character and bridging the scale of the development, while a central raised planted feature creates a distinctive landmark. In contrast, the podium offers a more private green retreat, defined by layered planting, seating areas, natural play features, and breakout spaces that foster a dynamic relationship between community life, nature, and the built environment.

The Belgard landscape design redefines this corner of Tallaght as a connected, vibrant, and people-focused environment. By introducing new pedestrian routes and a multifunctional piazza, the project enhances urban permeability and creates a social heart for the community. The integration of planting and sustainable materials strengthens ecological resilience. Together, these interventions elevate Belgard as a landmark mixed-use development—anchored in Tallaght’s civic identity, yet adaptable to the needs of a growing and dynamic urban community.