The Grade II listed Old Fire Station, built in 1935, has been reimagined as a high-quality student living development, with a newly constructed accommodation building in the former drill yard completing its transformation. With over 350 varied room shapes and configurations to consider, a traditional fitted joinery approach would have been impractical and costly. The investor-led team required a solution that was flexible, efficient, and could be delivered to a tight budget without compromising quality.

The design team responded with a bespoke collection of loose furniture components, designed as a ‘kit of parts’ that could adapt to the irregular layouts. Rather than perceiving the student room as a fixed combination of bed, desk, and wardrobe, this approach redefined each element to support multiple uses and daily rituals. The wardrobe was conceived as a general storage area, while the desk became a multifunctional hub for eating, studying, gaming, or self-care, depending on the time of day.

Stripped of unnecessary embellishment, the furniture was designed with simplicity and utility at its core, allowing students to personalise their space with optional accessories. This pragmatism ensured more of the budget could be invested in the quality and durability of the core furniture. A palette of whites, creams, and soft greys was chosen to create a tonal, shaded atmosphere that gives the impression of daylight entering from multiple directions, subtly counteracting the building’s limited natural light.

The result was a practical, creative, and cost-effective solution that met the needs of both client and resident, supporting lettings and occupancy performance.

Successfully implemented across all room types, each furniture piece was designed with versatility in mind, enabling students to customise and accessorise their space. This created a domestic, friendly aesthetic with practical appeal. The off-site manufacture of the components allowed for efficient installation, easing pressure on the construction programme. The result was a solution that delivered cost savings, excellent occupancy rates in its first year, and high customer satisfaction scores. Today, The Old Fire Station remains one of Birmingham’s most desirable student living locations.