Contemporary living for the studiously chic - or, student flats with attitude.

This is a project that so satisfyingly delivers the extraordinary clarity of the clients creative vision. JMS Midlands was part of the team that helped Neal Gohill of Spur & West deliver his twofold goal.

The architectural brief included redeveloping a prominent site in Loughborough’s ‘golden triangle area’, through thoughtful design for urban living, planned functional spaces and flexible design interiors.

Key considerations included respecting conservation criteria by careful selection of build materials and improving the street scene by using design elements in adjacent Edwardian properties.

The final ambitious plan involved building what externally looked like an infill with two large Edwardian terrace properties, but in fact were five stylish high end two bedroom apartments over three floors with a total built up area of 3,510sqft.

From this...

...to this.

Their purpose, to provide unmistakably high end accommodation for those studying at Loughborough University.

The design was a simple yet highly practical ‘horse shoe’ footprint allowing the opportunity to create multiple dwellings over several floors with sufficient light and window openings in a confined site measuring only 9m x 26m.

Each flat is designed to look and feel different from the others.  All have their own unique identity from a bedroom with its own courtyard, a lounge with bi-folding doors into a privates garden, a kitchen with a high pitched ceiling and roof lights, a lounge with multiple vertical sliding windows and a bedroom with a separate dressing/studying area.

Construction quality was predetermined to be of a high standard early on, due to techniques required in the build and materials approved for local authority compliance.

Whilst internally we intended to deliver a chic, modern finish, externally the intention was quite the opposite. The property is understated but tastefully finished to fit in with surrounding Edwardian properties, that are all located in this conservation area.

Key elements that were considered to reduce the visual impact of a new build included texturing and lining up each facing brick; ageing the look of the mortar by adding limestone; matching the corbelling on gable ends; using reconstructed stone heads and cills and exposing roof trusses to reflect the neighbours; and more as detailed in the accompanying report.

Commercially, the design had to deliver as much space from the compact footprint as possible. This not only involved tight specifications but a clever use of materials to minimise the impact of ceilings, walls and floors. The quality of the end product is one to be proud of.

But it’s worth adding that quality was the key from the outset. A policy of cleanliness, neatness and care reduced the works’ impact on neighbours and passers by. So much was this the case that the neighbours (and ourselves) are delighted with this new ‘Edwardian’ property on Burleigh Street.

We add value to every project we have been,
are, and will be equally proud to support.