Raising the bar for university residences

Student bedrooms are in a range of sizes, typically grouped into clusters of five to seven, with shared kitchen and dining areas. All bedrooms have en-suite modular bathroom pods and benefit from queen-size beds and full-height windows. Designed to be built over two phases, the development incorporates social spaces including a cinema room, fitness suite, and games rooms, along with a fully integrated management suite.

The scheme was developed from a strict parameter plan that established the extents of the outline planning permission, which included a level of basement parking partially set into the ground, responding to the University’s requirements for academic parking. The parameters also set the maximum height and the arrangement of blocks around central courtyards, and relate to a wider masterplan for the campus.

The design has received BREEAM Excellent, incorporating a CHP system, greywater recycling, PV panels and secure bike parking. Sitting partially within a conservation area, the scheme uses a palette of brickwork with natural metal finishes that is sympathetic to its setting, looking out over the River Irwell and Peel Park.