National Forensics Mental Health Service Featured in IGBC Case Studies on Biodiversity Within the Built Environment
22.05.2025
On International Biodiversity Day, Thursday 22nd May, during National Biodiversity Week the first set of Irish case studies to protect and enhance biodiversity within the built environment was launched by the Irish Green Building Council. The case studies highlight the integration of biodiversity and nature-based solutions into different types of buildings and infrastructure.
The National Forensic Mental Health Service, Portrane, designed by Scott Tallon Walker Architects in collaboration with Medical Architecture, was featured among the case studies.
The launch was attended by Patrycja Kochaniuk, Sustainability Lead at Scott Tallon Walker Architects, who said of the project: “The National Forensic Mental Health Service illustrates how collaboration between architects, contractors, ecologists, and the local community can achieve successful outcomes for nature and people. One such instance in this project was the restoration of a wetland by diverting surface water instead of using an underground attenuation tank — a solution made possible through the early involvement of an ecologist. I hope this case study demonstrates the importance of appropriate early involvement and active engagement and inspires other building professionals.”
Gardening and access to nature has had proven benefits for service-users, in addition to the positive impact on local wildlife through considered approaches to protecting biodiversity.
The other case study featured in today's launch was on the transformation of a green roof to a more biodiverse living roof in a Dublin City Centre location by Hibernia Real Estate Group Ltd.
The case studies were launched by Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity; Susan Vickers, Chair of IGBC’s Biodiversity & Built Environment Community of Practice; and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair of the Advisory Committee for Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan.
Read the case studies at: https://www.igbc.ie/resources/biodiversity-and-the...
Find out more about NFMHS at: https://www.stwarchitects.com/our-work/healing/nat...
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