“Outdated premises” is how they described the old buildings here at St Regis. Today, we will explore how this site transformed into modern student accommodation for Clare College.
St Regis has been providing graduate accommodation for Clare College since the 1990s. But before its modern iteration, the site housed buildings dating back to the 1940s. These buildings, while functional for a time, eventually became outdated. They offered inadequate living conditions and were expensive to maintain due to high energy costs.
Clare College decided to redevelop the St Regis site. They wanted to create high-quality, energy-efficient accommodation. The project involved demolishing the existing buildings. In their place, two new blocks of student accommodation were constructed. An adjacent building at 108 Chesterton Road was refurbished. This provided 85 student residential units. These units include en-suite rooms, studios, and flats. Furthermore, the project included the construction of 14 residential flats for open market rent. The area also received new landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Freeland Rees Roberts Architects designed the redevelopment scheme. Their design incorporates three new-build blocks. These blocks have a contemporary design. The architects chose Vandersanden brick as the principal element of the new facades. The design aimed to respect the surrounding urban context. It maintains the rhythm of the street scene. The volumes were broken down to feel more like houses than large blocks. The yellow grey Majestic brick predominates. Darker grey Luna Apollo bricks provide detailing.
The college commissioned a carving featuring swifts in flight. This was inspired by the birds nesting in the original buildings. Swift boxes have been integrated into the new facades. Stonemasons carved the brickwork to create the swift design. A breathable paint finish highlights the indentations. A single bird at the very top is gold-leafed.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the redevelopment. The new buildings include on-site renewable energy sources. They also use a “fabric first” approach to construction. Green roofs and a community heating network further contribute to energy efficiency.
TSA Riley provided advisory, cost management, and project management services. The project provides modern living spaces. It also enhances the surrounding environment. St Regis now offers a blend of contemporary design, sustainable features, and respect for local wildlife.
The transformation of St Regis demonstrates careful planning and design. It now stands as a signature building for Clare College. It offers students a modern and sustainable living environment. The incorporation of swift nesting sites adds a unique touch. This pays homage to the site’s history.