23/6/2009 RICS North West Awards 2009

Winner of the Best Residential Development

Parkway Gate student housing development comprises of three blocks containing 729 en-suite bedrooms, spiralling in height from 13 to 17 storeys, creating a central courtyard for residents. The blocks are united at ground level by two glazed podium spaces containing the reception, management suite and a commercial space.

The outer facades of each block are clad in different contrasting materials giving each building a sense of individuality whilst the treatment of the courtyard elevations, the form of the buildings and language of the cladding unify the development.

The development provides a landmark of high architectural integrity and sets a new benchmark in the design of student accommodation.

The RICS judges considered that architect (Ian Simpson Architects) and developer (Downing) had successfully set new standards for the provision of student accommodation. There has been a welcome move away from bland brick elevations with punched windows to a more contemporary approach in the design and use of materials