Oasis in the City: Athlete-Driven Co-Housing in Dublin
A Contemporary Approach Rooted in Global Experience
Ivan Tam is a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and recent graduate with an Upper Second-Class BA (Hons) in Architecture from Lancaster University. Growing up across France, Hong Kong, and the UK, his work draws on international experience and attention to local context. His portfolio ranges from high-quality rendered proposals to hands-on interventions, such as a recent private home renovation in Reims, France. As a participant in the INSIDE LVMH programme, he is currently exploring the intersection between luxury craftsmanship and architectural identity.
Athletic Wellness Meets Sustainable Architecture
Oasis is a high-end residential co-housing development in Dublin, conceived as a response to the city’s evolving urban landscape and the distinctive needs of professional athletes seeking a home base. It blends premium wellness amenities with sustainability credentials, built around a glulam timber superstructure chosen for its warmth, low-carbon profile, and capacity to support generous, open-plan communal spaces.
The concept emerged from careful study into the routines and priorities of sports professionals — a demographic often underserved by mainstream urban housing. “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 layered, catering to a diverse community of athletes and their families. Rooftop training areas and wellness zones crown the building — sunlit platforms for yoga at dawn, strength conditioning at dusk, and informal gatherings beneath the Dublin sky. Below, residents find shared lounges, co-working nooks, and landscaped terraces, all designed to foster community while preserving privacy.
Flexible ensuite layouts anchor the private quarters, adaptable to solo living, partners, or young families. Material palettes reference the tactile qualities of glulam timber alongside muted, calming tones associated with sport and wellness brands. Subtle attention to sound insulation, integrated storage, and restorative lighting reflects the priorities of high-performance living.
Luxury in Sustainability and Craft
The glulam structure provides a clear architectural rhythm, revealing timber frames and exposed grains throughout communal spaces — a material honesty that echoes the trust and transparency valued within sports culture. Immersion in the INSIDE LVMH programme informed the approach to branding, identity, and material distinction, from custom signage to tactile finishes and curated wellness partnerships.
Visual Storytelling
Known for evocative renders and photography, Ivan brings Oasis to life with a visual language steeped in narrative and place-making. The proposals weave sunlight across timber beams, athletes in motion on landscaped decks, and quiet repose in tranquil lounges — each image carrying a sense of aspiration, belonging, and well-being. International experience across France, Hong Kong, and the UK gives Oasis a global sensibility that balances the familiarity of home with the dynamism of a cosmopolitan hub.
Connect with Ivan Tam
Ivan welcomes new conversations and creative partnerships, particularly around high-end residential and luxury-inflected schemes.
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ivan-tamhl
- Email: ivantam1011@gmail.com
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