Located in Hulme, Booth Street West is set to introduce a new flexible and high-quality student residence to the area. The scheme looks to renew a previously derelict site and invigorate the local neighbourhood by enhancing the overall student experience while contributing positively to the area's economic growth and cultural diversity. The proposals also include a new Community Hub, incorporated within the ground floor of the building.
Targeting BREEAM “Excellent”, the designs seek to deliver a high-quality facility for the growing student population as well as the local community. The scheme will provide 146 student beds in the form of studio apartments and 10-bed cluster flats with shared kitchen facilities, generous shared amenity space, and a ground level community hub.
The 9-storey building is composed as two interacting volumes, designed respond to the relationship of the surrounding context. The lower volume acts as a pedestal, wrapping around the larger upper volume. Both are clad in brick, differentiated by the projecting bond pattern on the lower block, with the articulations intended to be expressed for a detailed but elegant character. This is contrasted by the larger volume, which follows a double story format and a simple and clean façade, allowing its scale and openings to determine its character.
Improvements to public realm on the north of the site promote an active frontage to the development, creating an open and inviting landscape for both residents and the local community to enjoy. This is complemented by a wildflower green roof, creating both visual and wildlife interest.