Bespoke Street Furniture for UWE's Purdown View Student Accommodation

THE BRIEF

Bespoke street furniture for the UK’s largest certified Passivhaus student accommodation

The SAP3 project at the University of the West of England in Bristol involved the construction of three six-story student accommodation blocks at the Frenchay Campus. Designed by Stride Treglown and built by Vinci Construction, the main aim of the development was to meet the stringent Passivhaus standards, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability.

As part of the external landscape, Langley Design were asked to design, manufacture, and install 3 bespoke timber clad bin stores to provide secure storage for recycling units, a large tensile canopy serving as a functional and aesthetically pleasing sheltered cover for students and cycle racks to create ample parking across the site.

WHAT WE DID

Sleek, Sustainable, and Seamlessly Integrated Solutions

Integrating with the campus’s sustainable ethos and complementing the surrounding green spaces, Langley Design crafted street furniture solutions that are modern, sleek and functional.

Three custom made Sheldon Bin Stores (SBS304) were installed as fully enclosed, roofed structures. Featuring galvanised steel columns and RAL7016 guttering, the bin stores provide robust weather protection while maintaining proper ventilation. Clad in Treated Redwood (TRC4) and equipped with sliding, lockable gate options on one unit, the bin stores integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.

A Pewsham Tensile Fabric Hypar Canopy (PTC401) was installed to create a versatile outdoor space for students to eat, meet, and relax. Measuring 10m x 5m, the canopy is supported by galvanised steel posts powder-coated in RAL9005 Jet Black, while the Boulder-coloured fabric complements the campus environment. The structure provides shelter from the elements while enhancing the visual and functional quality of the outdoor space.

To encourage eco conscious travel and create an expansive cycle parking facility for students, a suite of Malford Cycle Racks were provided for the internal cycle storage facility. This included the efficient two-tier cycle racks (MCR205), semi vertical cycle racks (MCR206), versatile cycle hoops (MCR200) and bespoke wall mounted cycle hoops (MCR200 N/S).

THE RESULT

Transforming Campus Spaces with Thoughtful Design

Langley Design worked closely with Vinci Construction to ensure the project successfully enhanced both the practicality and visual appeal of the campus. All elements were designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding green spaces while maintaining modern, functional aesthetics.

The fully enclosed bin stores ensured hygienic and efficient waste management, the canopy created a versatile and weather-protected outdoor area, and the cycle parking facilities supported sustainable transport options.

These interventions demonstrate how thoughtful street furniture design can support student well-being, sustainability goals, and high-quality campus environments.