CJCT were initially commissioned by S Harrison developments in 2014 to develop a high quality student accommodation scheme within Leeds. The site at Blenheim Walk offered an opportunity to replace a partially occupied, poor quality office block with modern housing close to university. The site lies along the one of the main arteries into the city centre providing fantastic transport connections ideal for students.
The design process was a careful balance of achieving site density requirements and adhering to height restrictions imposed by the local authority. Work started on site in 2017 for 180 en-suite student study rooms across 7 storeys, with completion achieved in July 2018.
The proposed building was predominantly red brick reflecting the surrounding residential context. Large silver window frames help break up the repetitive nature of the façade whilst full height glazing highlights communal living spaces. At ground floor a recessed under croft shelters the front entrance, and setting the building back from the street provides opportunity for landscaping to be introduced along Blenheim Walk. The scheme has significantly enhanced the streetscape on one of North Leeds’ main routes into the city centre.
