Bath Court is purpose-built student accommodation in Central Birmingham for Bouygues.
Robert Hirschfield Architects carried out a feasibility study for the site in 2011 and were then appointed as the concept architects that developed the design narrative working alongside Stride Treglown during the planning stages. RHA remained involved through the design and construction phases with the project completing in August 2020.
Close to all of the city’s higher education institutions, the prominent corner location acts as a ‘gateway’ into the city centre and utilises a deep triangular plan.
Value has been added to the development site through an aesthetic which references the local historic context.
The architectural design takes inspiration from the Victorian public baths that were built in the Bath Row area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Four new dies were created for the assortment of blue glazed aluminium extrusions which gives the building a distinctive character and an overall water-like effect.
The prominent 100m street frontage wraps itself around two sides of the site. The lower level is anchored by a new retail unit, gym, communal social space and study areas, which animates the street frontage to increase pedestrian footfall in what was previously a predominantly vehicular thoroughfare.
To the rear, a large landscaped raised terrace provides external space for the students and a central light well allows natural light deep into the building.
The upper levels provide apartment accommodation for 435 students, across a mixture of en-suite clusters and individual studios. The student accommodation consists of 360 ensuite bedrooms within 6 and 8 bedroom apartments as well as 75 studio bedrooms.
Photo credits: Gary Britton
