Candle Community Trust

Commissioned by the Candle Community Trust to create an extensive sensory garden for the young people and staff attending their property in Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin.

The Candle Community Trust, a cherished sanctuary for young people experiencing trauma, sought to extend their mission of healing and personal development into their outdoor spaces. Following a major renovation by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects https://www.mgne.ie/home, to which they were winners in the RIAI, https://www.riai.ie/, well-being category.

Our task was to design an extensive sensory garden and dynamic play areas that would complement the newly transformed building. The goal was to provide a safe, therapeutic environment offering rich sensory experiences and creative opportunities.

Following an active interactive consultation process with the site and the young people, our team designed a cohesive, universally accessible landscape that integrates seamlessly with the building’s architecture. The entire project was designed remotely during lockdown, with construction commencing at the first reopening.

Key features include sensory and meditative spaces anchored by a low rendered concrete wall that links various garden areas. The elliptical yoga and performance space invites movement and reflection. The horticultural zone, featuring wheelchair-accessible planters and reclaimed brick paving, allows young people to engage with edible plants, fostering a connection to nature. Interactive social spaces with cosy seating, a water feature, and an outdoor blackboard encourage creativity and interaction.

Adaptive play areas feature semi-bound pathways leading to outdoor table tennis, picnic tables, and sports pitches surrounded by planting to provide diverse opportunity for recreation and learning. Native hedging and edible berries frame the new kickabout field, designed to sports field specifications, promoting active play and exploration.

Completed in two phases by MCD Landscapes, https://mcdlandscapes.ie/, the garden and playing field now provide versatile spaces for immediate needs and future growth. The Trust has adapted areas for outdoor teaching, added gym equipment, and organised ‘Meitheal’ maintenance and planting days to enhance the garden’s features and planting areas.