Southampton Student Housing

Design ACB were commissioned on this student housing project in 2006. The site sits in a popular area, close to the city centre of Southampton. Due to its urban nature, it was agreed through discussion with both the client and planners that the most appropriate form of development was for studio-type student accommodation. The Bevois Valley area has a diverse mix of development, most of which is deemed poor quality. Due to its design quality, strong support was therefore given to the project by local planners and comprehensive consent was granted at committee.

The design uses the natural falls of the site to achieve two blocks of accommodation set on either side of a communal courtyard and above a lower ground floor parking and servicing area. Articulation of each of the blocks is very clear, reducing the perceived mass of the development. The front block has been pulled tight to the angled line of the Bevois Valley Road, giving the building a strong presence on the street scene. Coloured cladding has been used as a contemporary and uplifting element with the planners hoping it will inspire bolder and stronger design responses on future developments in the area.