Trinity College, Dublin

The redevelopment of Conningham House at Trinity Hall required the replacement of outdated accommodation with a modern student living environment that better reflects contemporary needs. The project needed to integrate sensitively within the existing campus while delivering 358 new bedspaces and a range of enhanced amenities, including a multipurpose sports hall. Achieving this within a suburban setting, while responding to both built and natural surroundings, was central to the brief.

Responding to rising construction and rental costs, the design focused on creating an efficient and adaptable student accommodation model. A detailed study of national and international precedents informed the development of a new prototype, reducing floor area while maintaining quality and compliance with relevant standards. The scheme integrates new-build elements with the existing campus, carefully considering context, density and relationships between buildings to support a cohesive and functional environment.

The completed scheme delivers a well-balanced campus environment that accommodates a range of student living needs, from independent to shared accommodation. the design responds to the site’s typography, reducing the need for extensive excavation while activating ground-level spaces. A central courtyard and enhanced public realm provide valuable outdoor amenity, supported by strong pedestrian connections across the site. The result is a sustainable and adaptable model for student living, successfully integrated within its surrounding context.