JS+P were selected to work alongside Watkin Jones and Fresh Student Living to design a premium student living accommodation and amenity on the edge of Leicester city centre. The scheme sits in close proximity to the River Soar and form’s part the of the wider Waterside regeneration project. The name influenced by the site, of which a foundry for leather processing once occupied, is reflected through tactile and densely toned interior finishes. The exterior’s pale buff brickwork compliments elements of the surrounding context of the railway viaduct, referenced symbolically through graphics, feature lighting and artwork. The interior intends to create a subtle narrative, reflecting the site’s rich industrial history through notions of refined and sustainable design intentions, while simultaneously offering dynamic environments for students to socialise, study and feel at home within.

“A premium student accommodation. With the environment in mind, we made effective design decisions by specifying cradle to grave materials and chose to leave surfaces exposed where possible in order to deliberately minimise waste and energy during construction, without compromising the internal aesthetic and functionality of the meticulously planned amenity settings.”

At concept we undertook a strategic approach to order amenity spaces in a way which branched down a key circulation route defined from the initial architectural intent; focusing on the audiences needs as a way of gaging spatial sequences was integral to our design process. Open, relaxed environments are positioned close to the main entrance and concierge, with access to the external courtyard via a breakout lounge, offering a welcoming and communal atmosphere. Interactive and energetic settings are positioned together at the end of the circulation route, acting as a cluster of interactive destinations for students to use freely. As a lengthened circulation route with various branches of activities, the visibility from one segment to the next was essential in promoting interactions and talking points along its route; we emphasised this journey through an elongated piece of art, running the entire circulation length, connects a variety of environments from open to private.

A refined palette of pastel tones, mirrored surfaces and natural materials were carefully selected to establish a contemporary and subtle interior. With the environment in mind, we made effective design decisions by specifying cradle to grave materials and chose to leave surfaces exposed where possible in order to deliberately minimise waste and energy during construction, without compromising the internal aesthetic and functionality of the meticulously planned amenity settings. Visual identity for The Tannery was originally inspired by the industrious context of the closely located and now redundant viaducts, once in use as Leicester’s Central Railway line. The studio developed the brand identity, questioning the internal language of the scheme and how it would be perceived post Covid-19. Through a series of explorative graphic pictograms, we manipulated the original shape to centre on two paired interconnecting arcs, this final layer of the design process promoted the message of connection, reunion and solidarity of the student community who resides here and forms a crucial language for the internal identity and wayfinding throughout.