The design of amenities within the student accommodation residence at the £25 million Hythe Mills complex in Colchester, Essex, for operator Future Generation. The new riverside development – the first PBSA project completed by Future Generation – is a model of what top tier student accommodation will offer well into the future. Future Generation, the PBSA arm of developer Southern Grove, delivered the scheme as a joint venture with Tadhamon Capital.
Brief
74 were briefed to create a suite of interlinking amenity spaces for the project, aimed at maximising social interaction, whilst architects Levitt Bernstein created the en suite rooms and studios for the target demographic, most of whom will be attending the University of Essex. The building looks out onto landscaped grounds leading down to the river Colne in the centre of Colchester and features a networking hub, secure car parking, laundry and private study areas.
Concept
The interior concept played with warm and cool colours, playing on contrasts between cool concrete and warm timber, for example, as well as using bright pops of colour and creating playful vistas, including a tongue-in-cheek chintz area. A reception features decorative concrete effects and a mix of raw and exposed materiality, whilst the design for the study area includes playful vertical rope divisions, co-working tables and large pendant lights. A further study area surrounds the kitchen space, where industrial-style seating and 3D wall graphics make a strong style statement. The final two areas are an open games area with lounge seating and lined wall seats and a fun ‘Secret Society’ room, with dramatic and contrasting antique and ornamental decoration create a super-cosy home-from-home space.
“74 worked with us on our pilot project in Colchester (Hythe Mills). They very quickly understood our brand and the ‘look & feel’ we wanted to achieve to meet our branding aspirations. Their proposals led to a space that is very user friendly and equally impressive. Our customers (the students) are thoroughly enjoying the space and it is a huge credit to the team at 74. We look forward to working with them across our portfolio and would certainly recommend their services.”