The Printworks

Location
Exeter
Client
Moorfield Group
Value
£16.2m approx
Completion
2013
Size
492 beds
BREEAM Rating
'Very Good'

City centre student living looking to the future

This 492 bed student accommodation scheme is located on a site formerly occupied by James Townsend printers, a history reflected in its name: The Printworks.

Set on the busy Western Way within walking distance of Exeter University’s main campus and the City centre, the site is ideally located to attract both domestic and international students.

Following our appointment we engaged in detailed discussions with the local authority who were supportive of our contemporary design and our use of locally influenced materials.

The challenging urban site is next to a number of existing buildings and has a 7m fall over its length. To make best use of this change of level, we worked with our landscape team to design a courtyard that maximises the internal perimeter of the building, allowing as many bedrooms as possible to be included.

Our client’s brief was very specific in that it should be ‘better than’ any other student accommodation in Exeter. Our interiors team hosted a series of client and student workshops during the design process to identify current and future trends, leading to the inclusion of a range of facilities and services such as a cinema room, well-equipped gym and an on-site café.

Our intention with this new student accommodation facility was to ensure that we positioned ourselves at the very front of the market in Exeter. Strides have assisted us in achieving what is a great product with modern room, kitchen and studio designs built both with style and to withstand heavy usage by the students. The building also provides a wow factor with a unique design around the entrance and high quality hard and soft landscaping.

Niall Southwell, Moorfield