The project proposes the reuse of an existing 0.64ha brown field urban site to provide 92 apartments and 484 en-suite bedrooms for student accommodation. Ancillary accommodation includes reception, common room, tv-games room, study area and laundry etc. as well as open space as recreational amenity.

Formerly used as bottling plant for the Coca Cola company, the site is well connected to public transport and cycling routes and sits in close proximity to both UCC and CIT.

The design proposal takes the form of a perimeter-ribbon block which wraps the site’s prescribed boundaries. The building establishes a positive edge to the Carrigrohane Road protecting the main central quadrangle courtyard from the road traffic noise to create conditions conducive to residential use and study. The block steps back with the site boundary, creating a second courtyard space between the building and the existing filling station site, forming the southern boundary to the Curraheen amenity.

By setting back from the Carrigrohane Road, public space is placed to the front of the building line. Generously scaled openings in the facade create a sense of openness as well as permeable access routes into the courtyards and the Curraheen River. Open space is provided in the form of two courtyards and a new public amenity space to the Curraheen River at the rear of the site. Private amenity space is provided in recessed balconies.