This project saw us design a major refurbishment and extension of an existing student hostel, which we carried out in two phases across 19 months. We upgraded the existing student bedrooms with en-suites and created a new six-storey central wing along with an additional floor at roof level to create a combined total of 144 bedrooms.

The project also included a new office space for the headquarters of Chapter 1, the charity that commissioned the project, a new conference centre and communal spaces for the students. By rationalising the internal and external spaces, our design created a courtyard garden offering a place for peace and contemplation. The client’s vision here was to provide a home from home for students, based on the Greek concept of hospitality and generosity and to create an active community in the area.