mha were appointed by the North Eastern Health & Social Care Board in 2002 to provide 3no. residential childrens homes in Springfarm, Carrickfergus and Magherafelt. The brief required 8no. bedrooms be provided in each of the properties. The design concept for the scheme sought to utilise a domestic aesthetic – the scheme was to resemble a large family home – rather than appearing institutionalised in nature.