Luneside Student Accommodation, Lancaster
Overview
Luneside student accommodation is made up of four residential blocks, delivering 431 bedrooms in clusters and studio apartments.
This scheme is part of the Luneside East Regeneration Project which will create a new quarter of the city with a mix of housing, commercial space, high quality open spaces and walking and cycling routes.
Ranging from three storeys to six storeys, the project is located in a prominent waterfront setting on St George’s Quay on the edge of the River Lune.
The development aims to be a landmark in urban regeneration and high quality design and be an exemplar of sustainable developments.
The building features modular bathroom pods, and high quality brickwork, pre-weathered Corten steel and stone rainscreen cladding.
The scheme has been designed in keeping with the industrial heritage of the site whilst also maximising daylight, and natural ventilation.
In addition to the 431 bedrooms, the development also provides a gym, games room, communal dining, study area, gardens and on-site parking.
11 Work opportunities 98.8% Waste recycled 215 Apprentice weeks created
Key Challenges
Luneside is located within close proximity to the Network Rail Carlisle railway bridge, which required close liaison and discussions resulting in a revised construction method to protect the Network Rail asset.
The adjacent River Lune created some logistical challenges when underground anchors were found in the no dig zone. This required a redesign in collaboration with the design team to deliver a design solution, which cantilevered the existing anchors that had to remain untouched.
Previous historical uses of the site provided challenges in terms of a solution to the proposed standard removal of waste from site. EWC proposed a revised remediation strategy, which provided a stabilised platform for the site and nil cart from site.
Added Value
A negotiated scheme EWC were involved from RIBA Stage 2 and our experience and expertise were integral to the Stage 3 design. Our pre-construction team worked in partnership with the Client and Architect to provide commercially viable solutions, which offered the client the look and feel they wanted whilst maximising savings to make the scheme feasible.
Particular areas included utilising standard profiling in relation to the façade and fine detailing, allowing considerable savings without affecting the aesthetics of the scheme.
During construction of this scheme, the site team ensured the use of local labour and suppliers were utilised and encouraged local work opportunities and apprenticeships.