Following extensive pre-application collaboration with Durham Council, we are pleased to confirm that we have submitted our proposal for an 89-bed student accommodation scheme with a retail store at Mount Oswald, Durham.
We worked with the client from inception through RIBA Stages 0–3. The proposal responds to the Mount Oswald masterplan and respects the surrounding context. It addresses key site constraints, including root protection zones, the curved highway edge, and changes in site levels.
The centrally located scheme prioritises pedestrian movement to support low-carbon travel. To the south, we created a connection to an existing woodland recreational path. To the north, a new living pergola walkway follows the curved site boundary. This provides a clear and engaging pedestrian route between the retail unit and the wider development area.
The material palette reflects the character of the site and its surroundings. Locally sourced buff and anthracite bricks pair with anthracite zinc cladding. Together, they offer a contemporary take on traditional brick and blockwork construction.
We collaborated with a range of consultants throughout the design process. This ensured a fully coordinated structural, environmental, and drainage strategy. We now look forward to developing the design further as the project moves into RIBA Stage 4.