The Refinery is a landmark PBSA development on the edge of Leeds city centre, delivering 397 student rooms alongside a dynamic suite of ground floor amenity spaces. Navigating a challenging multi-level site, the design transforms constrained areas into a connected series of vibrant, high-performing environments.

The amenity spaces delivered in collaboration with AHR Architects and GMI, are crafted to enhance student well-being, offering a balance of social, study, and recharge zones that reflect the diverse needs of modern student life. From energised communal areas to more intimate corners for focus and reflection, the scheme fosters a strong sense of community and supports academic success, setting a new benchmark for high-quality, experience-led student living in Leeds.

Subtle level changes and municipal-style ramps once dominated the amenity floor plate, consuming valuable social space and disrupting flow. The area was re-engineered through the introduction of tiered, amphitheater-style seating, a solution that not only resolved level transitions but also created a natural gathering point for students to occupy and engage with.

Careful spatial planning and the use of soft divisions allowed the compact footprint to accommodate a wide variety of functions. These include a lively games zone, a relaxed lounge, a fitness suite, and a garden room positioned adjacent to the external courtyard, blurring the boundary between inside and out, and bringing a sense of openness and connection to nature within the amenity offer.

The design strategy focused on creating a sequence of micro-settings that foster intimacy within a large-scale building. A coffee lounge and waiting area welcomed students upon arrival, flowing seamlessly into quieter study spaces and a tucked-away cinema room beyond. Each ‘destination’ was scaled for small groups, allowing students to gravitate to spaces that felt comfortable and personal. Views between settings were carefully curated to maintain a sense of openness, encouraging informal interaction while supporting moments of retreat and focus.

Inspired by the site’s industrial heritage – once a factory for spinning flax and hemp – the interior palette drew upon robust, natural materials and rich, tactile finishes. A restrained and neutral base palette in the apartments and shared living areas created a calm backdrop, elevated with deep, earthy tones to convey a sense of quality and longevity. Materials were selected not only for their aesthetic value but also for durability, ease of maintenance, and their contribution to a healthier internal environment. This holistic approach has helped The Refinery establish itself as a long-standing market leader in Leeds, supporting student well-being through design that quietly works hard in the background.