03/06/2026
Blending modern performance with historic architecture is rarely straightforward.
On this project, the original hospital building was retained and transformed alongside a 4-storey extension, a new 3-storey building, 8 townhouses, and dedicated student communal facilities including a gym, lounge, entertainment space, and private dining kitchen.
The challenge wasn't simply creating new accommodation—it was respecting the character of an undesignated heritage asset located within a Conservation Area and surrounded by listed buildings, while delivering the levels of comfort, acoustic performance and energy efficiency expected from modern student living.
Planning requirements meant many original architectural features had to be preserved, leading us to recommend timber Box Sash Windows from our Conservation range. The result was a solution that complemented the building's historic appearance while meeting demanding performance standards.
All 109 box sash windows were manufactured with high-acoustic-performance trickle vents and laminated glass within 24mm double-glazed units, helping minimise noise transfer between accommodation spaces without compromising the building's heritage character.
Projects like this are a reminder that heritage and performance don't have to be competing priorities—but achieving both takes careful design, collaboration and attention to detail.