A third generation of the Cosgrave family has entered the Irish construction world. Mark and Andrew, sons of Peter and grandsons of Jack, have launched their flagship enterprise, Oxmantown Lofts, in Smithfield, through their firm, the Dublin Loft Company..

"We grew up on building sites, and spent our holidays from college learning about plumbing and blocklaying," says Mark, whose family's Cosgrave Property Group built high-profile developments including the Sweepstakes in Ballsbridge and Ardilea Wood in Clonskeagh.

The enterprise on the west face of Smithfield consists of 15 apartments set over four floors, with a restaurant on the ground floor.

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Balconies

Designed by architect Gary O’Hare, of KMD, all of the 15 apartments – 12 two-bedroom units, a one-bed 54sq m (580sq ft) unit and two three-bedroom penthouses at 84sq m (905sq ft) – feature balconies and floor-length windows.

Interiors are cool and contemporary, and both Cosgrave brothers had a major input into the design.

“We took the new storage regulations for apartments to another level,” says Andrew of the sliding door which conceals a home office. “It has lots of room for storage as well as keeping computers out of sight.”

Adding to the streamlined look are loft-style Nobilia kitchens by Eco Interiors in gunmetal greys, with soft-closing units, and large utility rooms. The penthouses also have a further cloakroom.

Bathrooms feature double shower trays and contemporary sanitary ware.

All apartments have a Ber energy rating of A3, enhanced by solar panels and combination boilers.

An extra feature is the roof garden, shared by all apartments. (One of the penthouses also has a private roof terrace off the master bedroom.)

The views take in the entire Dublin skyline from the mountains to Liberty Hall and the Sky Bar at the Guinness Storehouse.

The private terraces of the apartments are generous and those overlooking Smithfield plaza could easily accommodate a dining table for eight.

The brothers have commissioned urban artist James Earley to create a mural for the foyer, which has the theme of an ox. (The area is referred to as Oxmantown, in reference to the Vikings, who were exiled here in Norman times.)

The 12 two-bedroom units in the development are each asking from €320,000 through Hooke and McDonald.