Inclusive of 97 high-specification apartments, this build to rent scheme in the heart of Bath required a communal amenity that could support resident wellbeing and strengthen the offer to prospective tenants. The location identified for this amenity was spatially detached from the main entrance, accessed either via a separate street or through the basement car park, so it needed to work hard to feel visible, inviting, and worthwhile.

Our role was to transform an inherited, inefficient layout into something purposeful and compelling. Working with the existing constraints, the plan was reconfigured to deliver a logical and effective flow of spaces. Functional rooms such as toilets, cleaners’ stores, and the management office were positioned along one edge, enabling the priority spaces, such as the resident lounge, to benefit from access to natural light.

Uplifting the Everyday

These communal areas are key ingredients in successful build to rent environments, offering places where people can grab a coffee, connect with neighbours, or decompress after work. The fitness suite takes a gentler, more feminine approach: soft colours, dark stained timber accents, and ambient lighting create an environment that feels calm, accessible, and easy to use—encouraging regular use across a broad demographic.

Wayfinding & Character

Given its discreet location, wayfinding and visibility were critical. Vibrant vertical strips of pink light were introduced to act as a visual beacon to the carpark entrance, creating a sense of presence and identity without the cost of a full environmental graphics scheme. These illuminated strips form a kind of visual handshake: welcoming from a distance and memorable in experience.

With clear spatial logic, gentle material expression, and attention to flow and comfort, the amenity hub has become a valued asset, supporting resident wellbeing, community interaction, and long-term rental appeal.