One of our latest commissions is acting as lead designer on an extensive refurbishment to student accommodation at the University of York.
Working collaboratively with project managers, Rider Levett Bucknall and M&E consultants, Couch Perry Wilkes, we’re devising a programme to transform 12 multi-storey blocks at the James College campus. Our architect, Stuart Taylor explains: “The accommodation we’re reviewing is split across 12 different buildings, which were built in stages between 1990-2000. Consequently, they require varying levels of refurbishment to better align with not only universal accessibility demands and modern student expectations but also to create greater cohesion with other accommodation offered by the College.
“Our initial assessment has involved engagement with key stakeholders to understand both the practicalities and aspiration, and we’re now devising a retrofit programme for some 47 kitchens and almost 500 bedrooms. The scheme’s key driver is longevity, so we’re exploring how to incorporate replacements and upgrades that are robust, durable and timeless to increase overall lifespan. Some of our ideas include feature graphics, contrasting door frames and light switches alongside warm and neutral colour tones for students to personalise with their own styling,” concluded Stuart.
Part of the design brief is to ensure the refurbishments meet the Student Accommodation Code as developed by Universities UK and we are now presenting final options to the University of York to enable a contractor tender package to be prepared. The intention is for work to be completed for the start of the academic year 2022/23.