Boleyn Court, University of Greenwich

Avanti Architects has completed a £6m refurbishment of an existing 166 room student residential block on the Avery Hill campus. The existing block was in need of transformation to appeal to students and maximise revenue. To safeguard investment and aid long term decision making, Avanti undertook an initial and far-reaching ‘root & branches’ review which included testing the viability of introducing ensuite bathrooms to allow the University to assess cost vs value.

The transformation of study bedrooms needed a strong rationale to ensure changes could deliver maximum quality and be affordable. The 39 flats were broken down into flat types which identified many rooms were contained in two configurations. Our approach delivered a bespoke ‘fitted’ feel for furniture and fittings with standardised modular and repeat components and elegant integration of lighting and small power. The ‘fitted’ feel was created by framing the spatial field across one wall of the room with wardrobes that rose to ceiling height and horizontal desk runs terminating at the end of walls. A wider bed with below storage and integrated bedhead lighting was also specified. The study bedrooms were provided with contemporary fresh styling using veneered and plain mdf backed melamine surfaces.

Kitchen/diners and shared bathroom/WCs were also given a fresh modern integrated feel with use of IPS panel systems and kitchen runs extended elegantly across wall surfaces. Integrated lighting was again used to deliver a quality ambience within these spaces.

Overall the design approach successfully met the expectations of the University and students, allowed accommodation in the second phase to be attractive for conferencing use and for the project to deliver sufficient return to protect the University’s investment.