Liberty Fields – new build student housing
Client: Liberty Living PLC
Status: Completed August 2011
This new extension to an existing 1970s student hall of residence is the third phase of a project for Liberty Living. Providing twelve additional self-contained studios, it sits within the original grounds as a sort of ‘garden pavilion’, carefully planned to protect the mature trees already on the site and the neighbours’ rights to light. By connecting the two buildings, we were able to introduce a lift and improve access to both.
The design mediates between the existing building and the adjacent Victorian terraced houses, using traditional, low cost building materials in a different, modern way. Brick patterns are used to express their function as cladding, the upper floor is set back to tie in with the parapet line of the housing, and we have introduced a modern reinterpretation of the bay window, so typical of the neighbourhood, that incorporates built-in desks and maximises views towards the park.
It is about creating an aspirational environment that is comfortable and liveable, whilst maximising the amount of lettable space for the client.
Photography: Richard Davies.
