Substantial Completion has been achieved on the Phase Two Student Accommodation project at University of Galway, now called Baile na Breacóige | Dunlin Village. Completion of this project will help relieve in some way the pressure on private rental accommodation in Galway as it provides 674 student bed spaces in 125 student apartments.

The development is located in the northern campus adjacent the internal campus masterplan route which connects the campus from south to north.

Four blocks of accommodation are provided, an eight-storey tower at Block A, two six-storey buildings – blocks B and D and four storeys for Block C. All bedrooms are en-suite. Multi-purpose communal facilities are provided at ground floor in Blocks D and C. Main reception is located in Block C. The buildings are arranged around courtyards which are of a scale which is appropriate to the site.

Annex 1 habitat adjacent the site was protected during construction and there is currently a project with the UoG Ecology department to harvest seeds from that area to plant in the landscaped zone between Block B and D. The whole development overlooks the River Corrib SAC. From the upper floors views are available across Galway city to the Burren in Co. Clare to the south, and north across Lough Corrib.

The material palette is simple and robust – reflecting the client requirements for high durability and low maintenance. Brick is the dominant façade material, aluminium framed windows and louvres are applied throughout.

COADY Architects were Single Point Design Team leaders on the project from early design through planning, tender production and then novated across to the main contractor JJ Rhatigan at construction stage.

We are very proud to have been involved in a project of this scale and importance for the west of Ireland.