The residential sector in Dublin is entering a new era of high-performance building – and Niven Oaks in Santry sits at its heart. Developed by Cairn Homes, the project comprises 268 apartments and is targeting certification to the rigorous Passive House Standard. Mosart is providing specialist Passive House consultancy and certification to ensure exceptional levels of comfort, efficiency and environmental performance.
Project Overview
Located at Northwood Avenue, Santry, Dublin 9, Niven Oaks is a large-scale residential scheme of 268 apartments targeting Passive House certification. The development, led by Cairn Homes, is due for completion in 2026 and forms part of Cairn’s long-term commitment to delivering high-performance, sustainable housing.
Niven Oaks joins a wider family of Cairn Passive House projects, including Pipers Square in Charlestown, Whitehaven in Santry, and Cooper Square in Seven Mills — together representing a significant leap forward for mainstream Passive House delivery in Ireland.
Design Intent & Performance Strategy
The Passive House standard defines world-class energy performance: ultra-low heating demand, exceptional air-tightness, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) for continuous fresh air. At Niven Oaks, these principles are embedded from the ground up — optimising comfort, health and efficiency for residents while reducing operational energy use.
Cairn Homes’ Passive House approach combines robust envelope design, precision detailing, and verified performance modelling. Early data indicates that heating costs in Passive House apartments may be up to 40 % lower than a typical new build, underscoring the measurable benefits of high-performance design.
Mosart’s Role
Mosart has been appointed as the project’s specialist Passive House consultant and certification advisor. Our scope includes detailed design review, performance modelling, certification documentation, and on-site verification to ensure that the building’s realised performance meets its design intent.
Drawing on decades of experience in delivering certified Passive House buildings across Ireland and the UK, Mosart provides the technical depth and quality assurance that enable large-scale developments like Niven Oaks to meet stringent standards efficiently and confidently.
Impact & Significance
Niven Oaks represents a key milestone in the evolution of large-scale Passive House housing in Ireland. It shows that climate-responsible construction and commercial viability can coexist, and that high-density, low-energy housing is not only possible but practical.
For residents, the project means reduced running costs, improved indoor air quality, and a more stable, comfortable living environment. For Cairn Homes and the wider industry, it provides a replicable model for future residential development — one that aligns with national zero-emission targets and sets a new performance benchmark.
Work with Mosart
Whether you’re a developer, architect, or housing authority, Mosart provides the expertise to bring Passive House design to life — from early feasibility through certification and post-occupancy evaluation.
If you’re planning a residential or mixed-use project and want to deliver real performance — not just compliance — contact the Mosart team today. To see how Mosart supports Passive House delivery at scale, visit the Niven Oaks project page or explore our Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD) On Demand course to upskill your team.