Projects

Christian Alliance Centre (Xenia) in Waterloo for Chapter 1 Charity Ltd Housing Association is a £6.3m major refurbishment and extension project of an existing student hostel. Completed in June 2012 over 19 months, the project consisted of upgrading existing student bedrooms with en-suite facilities, adding a new six-storey central wing extension and a new floor at roof level to provide a total of 144 bedrooms. The project also included a new office space for the headquarters of Chapter 1, a new conference centre and communal spaces for the students. By rationalising the internal and external spaces, the design created a courtyard garden offering peace and contemplation.

The client is a community based charity whose main operation is to provide accommodation and related support services to help vulnerable people with 40 projects across England. Xenia is their only commercial project that generates income to support their wider portfolio. The client’s vision for Xenia was to provide a home from home for students based on Greek concept of hospitality and generosity and to create an active community in the area.