Through our research of the buildings surrounding the site, we have identified how each building’s façade elements vary. So both the arrangement and materials of each proposed façade type, gives a nod to the history of both the site and area, whilst maintaining a contemporary twist through the use of simple detailing.

Internally the building will provide a mixture of studios and cluster apartments. Both types will have a percentage of accessible rooms to ensure the building is fully inclusive. There will be both internal and external amenity provided. Internally the amenity will include study spaces, gym, laundry room, cinema and games zone. At level 6 there will be a bookable dining room and sky lounge that leads out to an open air roof terrace, that has great views over the City.

The building will be fully electric. PV arrays will provide renewable power, and the scheme is aiming for BREEAM excellent.

Orford House is a purpose built student accommodation scheme proposed in the heart of Norwich City Centre.

The scheme will be submitted for full planning permission by the end of this year. To date the team here at Benchmark have been working with the council team to develop a contextually sensitive and appropriately scaled building.

The site is the former Debenham’s site located centrally within the retail area of Norwich City centre. The existing building sits within the St Stephen’s character area; which is characterised by large buildings or blocks of buildings, some of which are department stores, shopping malls or retail chains. It is a busy area that includes the City’s main bus interchange. This location works well for a mixed use building containing both retail and student accommodation.

To respond to the historical context of the site, the proposed façade contains a variety of treatments, to give the impression the site contains a block of buildings, rather than one single development.