• Sophie Leahy

Sophie
Leahy

The Root Community Centre is a visionary project designed to create a multifunctional, inclusive space at Jetland, Limerick. Inspired by the needs and aspirations of the local community, the centre aims to foster social inclusion, enhance well-being, and promote sustainability through thoughtful, adaptable design.
Responding to the modern suburban context, the project offers a place where individuals and groups can come together to share, learn, and grow. The name “Root” symbolises people’s deep connections to their community, their heritage, and the importance of nurturing strong foundations for future generations.
The centre features sustainable materials, green outdoor spaces, and adaptable indoor areas. The design reimagines a former Bank Of Ireland unit built in 2009 and integrates seamlessly with its suburban surroundings, creating an accessible, open, and environmentally conscious hub for the community.
My concept “Suburban Energy” captures the rhythm of contemporary suburban life—a balance of tranquillity, connection, and understated simplicity. It reflects the warmth of sunlit mornings, the distant hum of lawnmowers, and the soft glow of porch lights at dusk. Suburban Energy celebrates a sense of belonging, where tradition meets innovation, and where community and individuality coexist, aiming for a sustainable future.
Root Community Centre is designed to provide a welcoming, vibrant environment that supports social engagement, environmental stewardship, and community ownership. It aims to offer flexible, sustainable spaces that accommodate a wide range of activities for all ages. Through this, the centre aspires to revitalise the Caherdavin area, bringing new energy, pride, and joy to the community for generations to come.