Oasis in the City: Ivan Tam’s Vision for Athlete-Driven Co-Housing in Dublin
A Contemporary Approach Rooted in Global Experience
Ivan Tam, a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and recent graduate with an Upper Second-Class BA (Hons) in Architecture from Lancaster University, brings a fresh, cosmopolitan touch to each project he undertakes. Growing up across France, Hong Kong, and the UK, Ivan’s diverse upbringing forms the backbone of his nuanced approach to design—one equally attuned to local context and international innovation. His growing portfolio spans everything from high quality-rendered proposals and residential design expertise to hands-on physical interventions, such as a recent private home renovation in Reims, France. Now, as a participant in the prestigious INSIDE LVMH programme, Ivan is delving into the intersection between luxury craftsmanship and refined architectural identity, sharpening his focus on detail and atmosphere in interior and residential schemes.
Athletic Wellness Meets Sustainable Architecture
Ivan’s latest studio project, Oasis, is a compelling response to Dublin’s evolving urban landscape and the distinctive needs of professional athletes seeking a home base. Conceived as a high-end residential co-housing development, Oasis reimagines communal living by blending premium wellness amenities with state-of-the-art sustainability credentials. The scheme’s architectural centerpiece is a glulam timber superstructure, chosen for its aesthetic warmth, low-carbon credentials, and capacity to support generous, open-plan communal spaces.
The concept for Oasis emerged after careful studies into the routines and priorities of sports professionals—a demographic often underserved by mainstream urban housing options. “For athletes, daily routines revolve around physical wellbeing, privacy and a sense of belonging,” Ivan reflects. “My goal with Oasis was to create a space tailored to their rhythms, supporting both performance and downtime without compromising on environmental responsibility.”
Spaces for Performance and Community
The programme is intentionally layered, catering to a diverse community of athletes and their families. A sequence of rooftop training areas and wellness zones crowns the building—open, sunlit platforms for yoga at dawn, strength conditioning at dusk, and informal gatherings beneath the Dublin sky. Beneath, residents find a medley of shared lounges, co-working nooks, and landscaped terraces, all designed to foster community while preserving moments of privacy.
Flexible ensuite layouts anchor the private quarters—adaptable to solo living, partners, or young families—each suffused with natural light and oriented to maximize city or courtyard views. Carefully curated material palettes reference both the tactile qualities of glulam timber and the muted, calming tones found in premium sport and wellness brands. Subtle attention to sound insulation, integrated storage, and restorative lighting echoes the priorities of high-performance living.
Luxury in Sustainability and Craft
Oasis distinguishes itself not only through its athlete-first amenity offering but also through its commitment to sustainable, luxury-led craftsmanship. The glulam structure provides a unique architectural rhythm, revealing timber frames and exposed grains throughout communal spaces—a material honesty that echoes the trust and transparency valued within sports culture.
Ivan’s design is further elevated by his immersion in the INSIDE LVMH programme, which has informed his approach to branding, identity, and material distinction. From custom signage to tactile finishes and curated wellness partnerships, every detail is intended to evoke both exclusivity and inclusivity—a delicate balance reflecting the camaraderie and competitive spirit at the heart of athletic life.
Visual Storytelling and International Inspiration
Known for his evocative renders and photography, Ivan brings Oasis to life with a visual language steeped in narrative and place-making. His visual proposals weave together sunlight filtering over timber beams, athletes in motion across landscaped decks, and moments of quiet repose in tranquil lounges. This attention to atmosphere and brand-led storytelling ensures that each image resonates with a sense of aspiration, belonging, and well-being.
His international experience—delivering projects and proposals across France, Hong Kong, and the UK—imbues Oasis with a global sensibility, deftly balancing the familiarity of home with the dynamism of a cosmopolitan hub. The project stands as a testament to adaptive, post-pandemic living: community-driven, wellness-oriented, and richly sustainable.
Cultivating Connections
Ivan’s passion for cross-disciplinary collaboration, paired with his openness to dialogue, makes Oasis not just a student project but a proposition for the contemporary city. As he continues to explore high-end residential and luxury-inflected schemes, he welcomes new conversations and creative partnerships.
To explore Ivan Tam’s full portfolio, discuss collaborative opportunities, or simply exchange ideas around sustainability, wellness and luxury in design, connect with him on LinkedIn or email ivantam1011@gmail.com.
Oasis signals not only the future of athlete-oriented co-housing but also the broader potential for young architects to blend international insight, material innovation and wellness-focused luxury into transformative urban spaces.
Add a comment