Working with the City and University we knew of the imbalance between supply and demand for high quality student accommodation in Colchester. The site owner was seeking permission for a PBSA development and brought us in to manage the design and planning process and then organise funding to develop out the building.
The accommodation is aimed at the needs of continuing and post graduate students. There are 286 bedrooms, approximately equally divided between studio flats and clusters of 5, 6 and 7 rooms.
The cluster flats have generous kitchen living rooms with sofas and TV’s for each flat.
enso - Colchester
There are also ample internal and external amenity and social spaces.
A resident's gym and outdoor gym equipment is provided, together with indoor and outdoor games.
Group study and quiet areas are incorporated into the social space.
The scheme is designed without gas, utilising ASHP for the hot water, which will save c65% energy compared to gas and emits no CO2 on site. Procuring renewable energy electricity supply will allow the owner to meet its in-use CO2 ESG objectives.
The building is BREEAM “Excellent”.
The design of the buildings and choice of predominately brickwork in a class A1 facade has exceeded the latest fire engineering requirements. The landscaped external realm helps to create a secure and attractive environment. Wild planting and wildlife areas provided in consultation with the BEE Friendly Trust helps pollinators and other wildlife.