Northern Territory-based development and construction company DCOH was recently appointed to build the 14-storey, 352-bed facility for Campus Living Villages to accommodate Charles Darwin University students.

In 2024, DCOH delivered the show-stopping university build on time and on budget in a regional area during Covid, with the project going on to win numerous national and state awards.

Scheduled for completion in 2028, the student accommodation tower on Woods Street will bring much-needed housing for students at the city campus.

DCOH’s Chief Operating Officer, Lachlan Michell, says DCOH was delighted to be involved in the university precinct’s evolution.

“This is a major project with positive roll-on effects for everyone living in Northern Australia. We take pride in shaping the identity of the city, building for the community, and reinvesting in the Territory economy and workforce.”

Cranes on the horizon have long been considered the mark of a thriving city, with a second DCOH crane soon to punctuate the CBD skyline. Work is well underway on the $150 million Darwin Civic Centre redevelopment, and as lead construction contractors at Robertson Barracks, DCOH is also delivering one of the largest critical defence infrastructure projects in the NT.

“Running several major projects concurrently in Darwin creates a vertically integrated supply chain, and with strong capabilities in education and accommodation delivery, we’re excited for this new chapter at CDU,” says Mr Michell.

DCOH Development Manager Jay Stone says an early contractor involvement process provided confidence in the pathway to delivery.

“Collaborating on design and buildability as an early-stage partner, while respecting the client’s vision and intent, is a key step in the value management process and ultimately project success,” he says.

“Our experienced team of specialist staff and contractors provided local insights into planning processes, environmental conditions, supply-chain and the labour market.

“We’re also proud to be implementing a Green-Star focus across suppliers, contractors and materials.”

Featuring a mix of self-contained and shared accommodation spaces, with communal kitchen, study and recreation facilities, the Campus Living Villages build also uses innovative and efficient systems including curtain walls, and fabricated edge protection screens in lieu of scaffolding.

“We believe it’s a first in Darwin with a complete curtain wall façade system,” says DCOH’s Senior Project Manager, Frank Bagala.

As well as overseeing the project delivery, engaging consultants and contractors, and managing design and safety, Mr Bagala and his team are also responsible for keeping the project to program, and on budget and quality.

“There’s joy in converting something on paper to a physical landmark,” he says. “As well as extensive stakeholder collaboration, this involves the combined efforts, skills and talents from the community and industry.”

It’s this type of precision that also motivates DCOH’s BIM and Estimating Manager Alice Chan. With a Master of Building Information Modelling, Alice used 3D modelling to aid project accuracy and efficiencies.

“The modelling is a game changer on complex projects like this, allowing us greater control over material forecasting and waste reduction, reducing risk of errors and improving project outcomes, all while maintaining quality and design integrity,” she says.

Just like the early contractor involvement phase, the use of BIM technology proved equally invaluable on the first stage of the Danala Education and Community Precinct, which went on to win the President’s, Educational Facility, Commercial-Industrial Construction $100M+, and Sustainability Awards at the 2025 Master Builders NT Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.

Charles Darwin University Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fiona Coulson says the university has a strong track record of success working with DCOH.

“We know they’re an excellent fit for the construction of this project. Access to quality, purpose-built accommodation is an important part of the student experience and gives prospective students confidence when choosing where to study.”

John Schroder, CEO and Group Managing Director of Campus Living Villages, says his team is excited to work with DCOH.

“We look forward to delivering a vibrant, inclusive community that supports student success while helping to ease pressure on the private rental market in the Northern Territory.” TQ

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