Sector

Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Weā€™ve delivered cost-effective, adaptable and sustainable engineering solutions for more than 60 student accommodation developments, providing nearly 40,000 beds.

Having worked with private developers and operators through to university partnerships, our value-added approach delivers environmental, programme, and financial benefits for our clients, whilst creating spaces that meet the evolving needs of students.

Want to discuss your project?

Speak with our Student Accommodation (PBSA) Specialist

Download Our Student Accommodation (PBSA) Capability Brochure

Share

Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Urbanest Battersea

Our Eight Principles for PBSA Design:

Getting the fundamentals right

Successful student accommodation projects donā€™t happen by chance. These key elements are the backbone of every project we deliver.

1. De-Risking Sites

Early engagement with geotechnical experts is vital to identify potential ground issues, ensuring confident land investment decisions and smoother project execution.

2. Programme Focus

Starting construction earlier through flexible sub-structure designs reduces risks and ensures projects meet tight academic year deadlines.

3. Innovative Design

Collaboration across engineering disciplines delivers smarter, more efficient solutions, reducing costs and adding value to PBSA projects.

4. Adapting Use

Student buildings merge residential, hotel, and commercial needs, requiring thoughtful design to meet evolving expectations and ensure long-term usability.

5. Balancing Efficiency and Flexibility

Lean design minimises materials while adaptable layouts future-proof buildings for changing student demands.

6. Maximising Floors and Rooms

Clever engineering reduces building heights, enabling extra floors and maximising revenue without compromising quality.

7. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

Prefabricated elements like bathroom pods and hybrid approaches streamline construction, saving time and reducing costs.

8. Sustainability

Prioritising low-carbon materials and energy-efficient designs like PassivHaus boosts environmental credentials and reduces operating costs.

Planning for Success:

The benefits of our design approach

 

On Time Delivery

The critical importance of completing projects in time for the academic year, means we prioritise early-stage works like foundations and drainage. By tailoring our programme for phased information release, we accelerate the earliest possible start on site while guarding against delays.

Cost-effective design

With tight margins in the student housing market, we integrate value engineering from the start. Designs are optimised throughout the project, ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising quality or functionality.

Student-centric Spaces

Todayā€™s students expect more than a room. We create buildings with dynamic communal spaces, accessibility features, and environments designed to promote mental well-being. Our future-proof designs ensure flexibility to meet evolving needs.

Sustainability Experts

Using lean design and low-carbon materials, we consistently achieve embodied carbon reductions of 10-15% compared to benchmarks, with flagship projects reaching up to 70%.

 

Want to Know More?

Our approach goes beyond ticking boxes – it reduces costs, appeals to sustainability-conscious tenants, and ensures your investment stands the test of time. With a proven track record, weā€™re the trusted partner for PBSA developers and operators looking to set new standards in the sector.

Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Related News, Events & Articles

6 February 2024

Project Update: Level 15 Underway and Continued Fast-Paced Progress at Chapter London BridgeĀ 

A significant milestone has just been achieved at the ongoing development of Chapter, London Bridge – a premium student residential project. [...]

6 December 2023

Hot Topics at the Student Accommodation Conference 2023 & Another Award-Winning Project

29 November 2023

Walsh at the Student Accommodation Conference 2023