Trinity Hall Residential Development, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Republic of Ireland

The Trinity Hall residential development required the implementation of technological innovation into a historical area. Despite a variety of economic and time constraints, the result is an incorporation of modern technology to create a unique architectural, environmental, historic, social, statutory and economical project.

In keeping with the redbrick nature of the area, the architects - Murray O'Laoire - employed Gebrick sheeting, which is cost effective whilst still retaining the desired image of the area. In addition, the architect developed bathroom pods, which were assembled offsite and placed in the structure to increase the speed of construction in a small environment.

Additional innovation was employed with an attenuation pond and water feature designed to cater to the increase in water run-off generated by the development; the pond is environmentally conceived with grasses to percolate the water while offering a pleasant area for students to gather.

TRINITY HALL SITE

The site is approximately 4.27 hectares, located on Dartry Road between Palmerston Park and Temple Road and the existing halls of residence, which accommodate approximately 180 students.

The new development comprises approximately 25,000m² of accommodation distributed over three buildings and includes refurbishment and renovation of Trinity Hall.

The campus contains three nineteenth century pavilions, which are on the record of protected structures. Preliminary work involved the removal of some of the site’s existing structures.

ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES

The complex of new buildings provides 946 new bedspaces in 832 new bedrooms. These units are arranged in a combination of twin, single, and staff rooms with provision for an appropriate ratio of disabled accessible rooms in each category distributed across 180 new apartments. Each shares common living, dining and kitchen areas, over three to seven storeys.

The apartments are grouped into independent, contained houses, gathered to form open-ended courtyards and landscaped parks. The proposal involves the retention and refurbishment of existing mature trees at the arboretum and site perimeter and is accompanied by a comprehensive management plan for the treatment of existing and proposed trees.

Support facilities necessary to the basic maintenance and operation of the institution include a laundrette, linen stores, workshops, reception areas, associated stores, offices and a student shop. They are centrally located and operate specifically to serve the on-site community. The new buildings also provide dining facilities to allow the students a common area capable of seating 400 diners with associated kitchens and an atrium to rear.

These design proposals were supplemented by detailed assessment reports concerning tree protection, archaeology, conservation, environmental, traffic, community and statutory issues.