TU Dublin Students Design and Build Sustainable 'Bug Hotels' in Industry Partnership with MEDITE SMARTPLY
.jpg)
Timber technology students in the School of Architecture, Building and Environment at TU Dublin have applied batch manufacturing and lean production techniques using innovative materials to create biodiversity-enhancing “bug hotels” in an environment-focused collaboration with MEDITE SMARTPLY.
TU Dublin is celebrating this successful industry collaboration with MEDITE SMARTPLY, which saw its students in BSc Sustainable Timber Technology design, plan, and batch manufacture six “bug hotels", putting lean production management theories and workshop skills to use. Four of the structures have since been installed on the Belmount roundabout in South Kilkenny, and two will be installed in TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus.
In reflection of MEDITE SMARTPLY’s commitment to sustainability, it has sponsored the creation of a mini forest and meadow area, planted with native Irish flora, on the large Belmont roundabout. The "bug hotels" located on it will provide safe habitats for local insect species, contributing to a balanced and thriving local ecosystem.
The structures were manufactured by students from TU Dublin School of Architecture, Building and Environment, using MEDITE SMARTPLY’s highly durable, water-resistant panel, MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME. Paint & decorating lecturer Tom Lundy provided a low-VOC, durable paint finish suitable for the use and environment.
Practice-Led Learning in Action
This unusual collaboration offered TU Dublin students invaluable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between classroom theory and sustainable construction practices.
Joseph Little, Head of Construction for TU Dublin, highlighted the educational value of the partnership: “This collaboration offered our timber technology students an excellent opportunity to apply sustainable construction principles in a real-world context. Working with MEDITE SMARTPLY and using their MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME boards allowed them to engage with innovative, long-lasting materials while contributing to a meaningful environmental initiative. This experience is the essence of practice-based, employer-engaged education—ensuring our graduates are ready to lead the industry in sustainable manufacture and construction.”
Building a Greener Future
The students were tasked not only with the practical build but also with understanding the material science behind the project. MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME’s exceptional durability, with a life expectancy of up to 50 years above ground, reinforced the lesson in sustainable, long-term design solutions.
This project underscores TU Dublin’s institutional commitment to sustainability and fostering strong connections with industry leaders like MEDITE SMARTPLY. By tackling real challenges and contributing tangible, environmental benefits to the community, TU Dublin continues to prepare students who are not just learners, but active innovators ready to shape a more sustainable future.
MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of Coillte, an innovative, FSC certified Irish forestry and forest products manufacturer. Based in Clonmel and Waterford, Ireland, MEDITE SMARTPLY produces a versatile range of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) building products.
MEDITE SMARTPLY has a significant philanthropic partnership with TU Dublin and is a key supporter of the TU Dublin Design + Construct project, which will be a centre for collaborative, multidisciplinary education that will drive performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector in Ireland.