Redefining Student Living
Architecture List, a leading international design magazine based in Malaysia, has shone a global spotlight on Jasper Sanders + Partners’ redevelopment of 16-18 Potterrow in Edinburgh. Praising the project as ‘setting a new bar for post-graduate student accommodation,’ the article commends its design excellence, cultural sensitivity, and forward-thinking approach to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
For Jasper Sanders + Partners, this critical recognition signifies how thoughtful, human-centred design can resonate far beyond the UK, capturing the attention of an international audience seeking best-in-class living environments.
Located directly opposite the University of Edinburgh’s main campus, the Potterrow project involved the complete transformation of a cluster-flat building originally built in 2017. Responding to evolving expectations in student living, particularly for post-graduates, the design team reconfigured the layout to create 151 self-contained studio apartments. Each unit now includes a private kitchen and en-suite bathroom, offering residents independence and privacy, while reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, well-considered living spaces that go beyond basic functionality.
The project also tackled significant external challenges, notably the replacement of problematic cladding, which provided an opportunity to redefine the building’s architectural language. The new façade delivers a clean, modern aesthetic, carefully designed to respect Edinburgh’s historic streetscape while elevating the building’s visual identity.
Internally, the design is deeply rooted in Scotland’s cultural heritage. Creative Director Rebecca Finney led the development of an interior concept that draws from eight key strands of Scottish inspiration, from the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands to the city’s vibrant cultural life and whisky distilling traditions. This narrative is expressed through earthy colour palettes, tactile materials, and a layered lighting scheme that brings energy, depth, and warmth to the communal areas.
Community remains a central theme. Alongside private studios, a suite of shared amenities – including a fitness studio, yoga room, media lounge, and a top-floor communal dining space with panoramic city views – has been thoughtfully designed to foster social connection. These spaces are not afterthoughts but integral to the student experience, offering places to relax, collaborate, and build community.
What distinguishes Potterrow is its attention to detail, from the considered material choices to the functional yet beautifully crafted communal areas. This project exemplifies how PBSA design can balance individuality, community, and cultural context to offer an elevated student living experience.
Read the full article on Architecture List (Malaysia)