Co-Living Redefined
Set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most historic cities, The Gorge responds to the rising demand for accessible, design-led living. A series of informal, welcoming spaces blur the lines between home and community, creating a bold new benchmark for co-living, one that champions connection, creativity, and a more sustainable way of living together.
In an ambitious collaboration with Manson Architects and Watkin Jones, the studio played a key role in delivering The Gorge – a next-generation co-living residence in the heart of Exeter. The design scope encompassed vibrant ground and lower ground floor amenity spaces, alongside 133 highly efficient micro-apartments. Each unit is fitted with a bespoke modular furniture system, intelligently designed to flex across multiple layouts, room sizes, and budget requirements, redefining what compact urban living can be.
“The Gorge exemplifies modern living, masterfully integrating design with natural elements. Its considered furnishings, augmented by lush greenery and expansive windows, create an open ambience that melds outdoor and communal areas. The design ensures not only visual appeal but also a refreshing atmosphere.”
Ella Simpson | Resident, The Gorge
Sector | Co-Living
Completion | 2023
Client | Watkin Jones
Operator | Fresh Student Living
Drawing on Exeter’s rich historical context, The Gorge takes its name and identity from the city’s underground freshwater systems. The design reflects Exeter’s deep connection to the surrounding landscape and the Devonshire countryside, blending an industrial aesthetic with earthy, tactile tones and natural materials. Contours derived from local topographic maps embed a clear graphical language into the design of amenity spaces. This ensures seamless visual and experiential flow from exterior to interior.
The studio delivered a series of essential settings at ground floor inclusive of an entrance arrival, games area, entertainment lounges and a fitness suite. The co-living kitchen is located at the heart of the scheme – a purposefully considered space aimed to create a strong sense of community, allowing residents to cook, eat and socialise together beyond the privacy of their studio apartments. The glazed feature of this setting creates a centrepiece to the social spaces, while also providing optimum daylight and sightlines to the resident courtyard and outdoor terrace, blending the interior and exterior environments.
