For this student amenities double-storey space in a new-build accommodation block in Leeds for client LSSH, 74 took inspiration from the building’s architectural palette, created by Cunniff Design. Referencing a recognisable local residential family of materials, this included brushed brick with a light yellowy tone, a broadly 1930s feel overall and bronzed anodised aluminium for the window frames. The amenity spaces designed by 74 on the ground and lower-ground floor of the building include a reception lobby, back-of-house space, study lounge, meeting rooms, library, kitchen, toilets, cinema room, gaming lounge and gym, as well as an 8th floor private dining room.
Brief
For our second scheme for LSSH (following Crown House), our client briefed us to create a sophisticated, high-spec scheme with grown up colours, great detailing and a hotel/hospitality influence – representing a step change away from the bright primary colours used for many current student schemes.
Concept
We worked with the building’s unusual angled glazed box base to make the most of views into and through the amenity space, with the ground floor level visible at one end and a ground plus half-storey view into the lower-ground gym space at the other. The material treatment includes crittal doors, responding to the exterior metalwork, with a double-dado rail treatment also tying into the door and window levels. Large, rectangular lighting rafts in bronze-painted timber continue the metallic references. Eclectic furniture sits within a neutral base palette, with bespoke items, such as the reception desk, featuring a faux leather treatment with studded metallic vertical dividing lines, inspired by case goods and golden-age travel.
“We’re looking for a premium, high-quality product and 74 deliver that”