Student accommodation design

An approach that puts student well-being to the forefront

Our approach to designing student accommodation has come from working closely with student accommodation providers and operators, as well as our own research and development. It is also our fundamental belief that well designed student accommodation is beneficial to both the needs of the student residents and the local communities in which they are located. By providing for students’ needs more effectively, injecting vibrancy into communities, footfall to local businesses and freeing up local housing.

Integral to our ethos is putting the student well-being at the forefront of the design. Research clearly shows that access to open and green space improves productivity and mental health, whilst collaboration space encourages social relationships, which is one of the primary functions to human health and well-being.

When approaching each unique student accommodation project, we use the following design criteria:

• Open and green space — communal gardens or green areas, courtyards, trees and flowers.
• Indoor air quality — ventilation and circulation systems, openable windows and access to outside space.
• Social and inclusive design — enabling students to socialise through collaboration and social spaces such as coffee shops, games rooms, group study rooms, cinemas and bars.
• Light — installing tall and large-scale windows.
• Space — internal layouts should be an open plan as much as possible and collaboration and communal space should be provided
• Wellness (Fitness) — physical well-being space isn’t a necessity but if included, it must be done well; basic gyms aren’t the answer. Physical health can be better encouraged via bike racks, sports activities and fitness studios and even relaxation areas such as saunas or steam rooms.