When Bricross Developments secured a prestigious site on the Nottingham Canal waterfront to build student accommodation, MAS Architecture and Atomic Interiors were the ideal choice to create an eye-catching and stylish building that would offer high quality contemporary student living.
The team was briefed to design a characterful building complex that was sympathetic to the local architecture. A luxury interior would include modern conveniences with peaceful living quarters and energetic communal spaces that could effortlessly stand up to the demands of student life.
The narrow waterfront site with its curved canalside frontage suggested a building shape and form inspired by narrow boats. Built using traditional brick and steel methods, the buildings feature overhanging roofs elaborated with top floor set back which refers to the cabin on a narrow boat.
The luxury interior was designed to create a sophisticated ambience to aid relaxation and enable residents to enjoy views over the tranquil canal. An airy grey colour scheme has been used throughout the private and communal spaces for a modern industrial style that maximises light and sense of space. Materials were chosen to fit in with these aesthetics but also for durable, easy clean finishes to provide reassuringly high levels of hygiene.
Above image features LLT201 Colorado
Sharon Walker from Atomic Interiors explained: ”The flooring had to complement and enhance the designer furniture but also be practical and easy to maintain. Consideration also had to be given to the ease of installation as the project had a pre-determined, non-negotiable hand over date.”
In the communal living space, the industrial styling and oversized canalside artwork links the building to the locality and its history. Bringing the look of a sealed concrete floor but with the comfort, acoustics and hygiene of luxury vinyl, Colorado from the LooseLay range offers a practical flooring that is quiet underfoot, waterproof and forgiving of spills and scrapes. In the event of damage, tiles can be individually lifted and replaced as required for quick and simple repairs.
The 66 studio apartments have been designed with comfort and quality in mind, featuring practical and convenient facilities and a soft and warm aesthetic to support study and relaxation. The neutral grey colour scheme and large windows that allow natural light to flood in are complemented by a homely wood design flooring. Baltic Limed Oak from the Korlok range introduces the warm tones of Danish oak with interesting grain details and a modern matt textured finish. With superior acoustic benefits, the Korlok flooring reduces sound transfer to the floor below by 21dB, helping to support a quiet environment.
Jacquelynn Davies at Bricross Developments said: “To create the luxurious contemporary style we were after it was key that materials offered a timeless style and hard wearing surface yet also came within a certain price point. We were looking for flooring that not only looked beautiful but also was robust enough for usage by students and could provide an acoustic barrier. Sustainability is a key concern so selecting products with a long life has helped us reduce the environmental impact of the building.”