This project was the conversion of part of a 1990s’ office building in Dundee into student accommodation to provide 76 studio apartments and a range of communal spaces. These include a lounge, library, games room, cinema and laundry as well as study rooms.

The original four-storey building comprised three main rectilinear blocks connected by two smaller link blocks. The project involved dividing the building into two. The whole of block C and one link as well as the ground floor of block B became the new student residence – now classified as a separate building as it has a new use.

A key aspect of our design, therefore, was to ensure the building complied with fire regulations. The design also needed to be flexible enough to allow the future conversion of block B and block A to provide a further 124 studios.

We designed the fire separation between the two buildings, including the replacement of some external windows with fire rated alternatives. And, of course, we had to ensure that escape distances and compartmentalisation in the new building were compliant, as well as adding a new dry riser, Smart Mist sprinkler system and fire alarms.

The building’s structural grid, fenestration and shallow plan facilitated the division of the floors into three types of studio – standard, large and accessible. The accessible rooms are located close to the link building and lifts.

The concept design also included interior design proposals both for the studio apartments and the communal facilities.