Originally a British Heart Foundation shop on Bampfylde Street, Exeter, this new student accommodation over 8 storeys contains 153 units of en-suite rooms in shared apartments and studios with mini kitchens. All rooms have pod bathrooms. Also included are extra social spaces comprising a gymnasium, coach waiting area and common room.

Originally envisaged with a structural solution consisting of a full height reinforced concrete frame, this was quickly adapted to utilise a transfer deck to support a modular lightweight metal framing system above 1st floor. A panelised cladding system with brick and stone facings is used.

The building is clad with brick as this creates a homogeneous environment with other buildings in the area. This student residential block is located near to a bus station and bus depot, offering good transport links to the students.

Some of the challenges faced by this project include:

• The short duration of the design programme, which was met thanks to close collaboration by all parties involved
• The complexity of the site in a congested environment
• Having to build tight against surrounding roads and party walls
• A proactive approach to design and problem resolution which included an existing basement uncovered in the courtyard meaning the external drainage layout had to be reconfigured.