Northwood Student Accommodation
Purpose built 170 beds — Planning & Delivery Architects
Overview
Dann Architects successfully obtained granted planning permission for Linbiz Ltd. to build a 170-bed student accommodation on a site near DCU Campus in Northwood, Santry.
The design provides high-quality student accommodation with onsite common facilities including landscaped open spaces, concierge, “plug-in” study areas, group work spaces, a crèche and a café serving the development and its neighbours.
The Challenge
The scheme needed to deliver a dense mix of accommodation and shared amenity within a compact urban site, while respecting neighbouring uses and creating a strong edge to the public realm.
The brief called for generous communal spaces and active ground floor uses that would contribute positively to the wider Northwood area and support long-term management of the building.
The Project
The all-electric, BER A-rated development will provide 170 beds split into 20 x 8-bed apartments and 10 studios, with 5% of bedrooms DDA compliant and accessible living spaces for wheelchair users.
The building rises to 7 storeys (6 storeys with a setback level accommodating an amenity room and outdoor terrace), giving a strong urban presence while stepping back to protect daylight and views.
The proposed student accommodation will relieve pressure on private rental housing in Dublin and Santry, while providing a contemporary, well-managed home for students close to DCU.
