Willmore Iles Architects were on site at the University of Essex this week and it was pleasing to see that great progress is being made on the external elevations. Acrylic brick, render and a combination of cladding systems are being installed to reflect the neighbouring Phases of the Meadows Group and the architecture of the Knowledge Gateway.

All of the accommodation blocks are progressing well, and the landscaping is starting to be installed. WIA are looking forward to seeing the project reach completion.

The accommodation is split into three room types: 285 standard rooms which have shared bathrooms; 915 en-suite bedrooms and 58 studio rooms. Standard rooms are typically arranged in 12-bed flats and en-suite rooms are generally arranged in 10 and 12 bed flats, however there are instances of 9 and 11 bed flats within the scheme.

A new hub provides a reception, post room and administrative area, staff welfare, FM store and bin store all located to the ground floor of Block C. The laundrette is located to the eastern end of Block A fronting the square.

Accommodation buildings are arranged to create two undergraduate courtyards with the studio building (Building C), which is targeted towards returning students addressing Capon Road. A further ‘neutral’ courtyard is located at the centre of the site and designed as the main space for
student interaction and social events.

The scheme is due for completion summer 2023.