The recent panel discussion entitled ‘The Future of Student Living’, organised by Walsh on 19 March, delved into two innovative projects within the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector that have benefited from advanced engineering design techniques. These projects are pivotal examples of how modern building methods can enhance the viability of PBSA schemes in the UK.
Innovative Projects by Urbanest
The two highlighted projects are developed by Urbanest, a key player in the UK PBSA market. The first is a substantial 853-bed scheme located in Battersea, while the second, currently under construction in Canary Wharf, is set to provide a remarkable 1,672 beds. This latter project is particularly notable as it will stand as the largest Passivhaus building in Europe upon completion. Both developments adhere to Passivhaus standards, which focus on minimising energy consumption and enhancing the comfort of residents. This commitment to sustainability not only lowers operational costs but also significantly enhances the attractiveness of the projects to investors.
Utilising modern methods of construction (MMC) for the Canary Wharf project, Urbanest has successfully shortened the build time, thereby allowing investors to benefit from an additional academic year of income. Vicky Skinner, CFO of Urbanest, emphasised the long-term investment strategy of their backers, stating, “Our investor is very, very long term focused in their outlook. They think in investment periods of decades and longer…. From the perspective of future proofing, delivering Battersea and now Canary Wharf to a Passivhaus standard felt like really fantastic derisking from their perspective, which all helped build the case in terms of viability.”
Sustainability at the Core
For Urbanest, the emphasis on student welfare drives their operational philosophy. Skinner noted, “Our students are absolutely at the heart of everything we do, and our reason for being. Passivhaus was a really fantastic target to aspire to and now deliver in these buildings which are so comfortable in terms of their ambient conditions.” This holistic approach to student accommodation not only aims to provide a superior living experience but also aligns with broader environmental goals.
Thomas Henriksen, a specialist in sustainability and Passivhaus design, highlighted the importance of integrating energy performance from the project’s inception. He stated, “One of the things that makes Passivhaus successful is that we worked as a team, right from the client support, the investor support and support from the cost consultant.” This collaborative approach is vital in achieving the ambitious energy performance targets that Passivhaus standards necessitate.
Modern Methods of Construction
Urbanest’s commitment to innovation is reflected in their choice to incorporate modern construction techniques into the Canary Wharf project. Engineers from Walsh faced significant challenges due to the site’s location above a major sewer and high voltage power lines. To mitigate these challenges, they implemented a hybrid precast system, which not only simplifies the construction process but also enhances efficiency. Originally designed as a reinforced concrete frame, the switch to a hybrid system allowed for a smoother construction programme.
Andy Stanford, a Director at Walsh, explained the benefits of this innovative approach, stating, “The structure utilised precast concrete floor elements which are assembled on site and finished with a concrete topping to create a monolithic slab. Structurally, the end result is almost identical to a traditional reinforced concrete slab. The difference lies in how the structure is assembled.” This offsite fabrication method, akin to assembling flat-packed furniture, allows for significant time savings on site.
Furthermore, elements such as the unitised façade and pre-manufactured bathroom pods were also produced offsite, meeting stringent Passivhaus compliance before being delivered to the construction site. Bram van der Wal, Director at Apt architects, remarked on the architectural impact of these methods, noting, “Interestingly, these Modern Methods of Construction didn’t really affect the architecture. These sorts of things are programme items.”
Cost and Time Implications
The use of MMC has not only improved efficiency but also influenced project costs. Rob Barbour of Cast Consultants, who managed the cost aspects of the Battersea project, estimated that adhering to Passivhaus standards would add approximately 3-5% to building costs compared to other high-performing methods. However, the reduced build time associated with MMC can effectively offset this cost increase. Barbour explained, “While offsite and hybrid precast solutions can carry a cost premium, the programme benefits—including reduced preliminaries, improved certainty and earlier completion—can offset this, particularly where earlier occupation drives additional revenue.”
For Urbanest, the focus on sustainable design proved advantageous during the planning consent phase. Bram van der Wal noted that planners often hesitate to approve PBSA projects, but by emphasising the sustainability aspects, they aligned the project with regional low carbon goals, facilitating a smoother approval process. “It had to be explained to the planners in the first instance…but once they bought into that idea and how it all tied together with the scheme as one holistic, sustainable approach, they were happy to support… It was a unanimous decision to grant consent, which was a great achievement,” van der Wal added.
The Role of Collaboration
Successful implementation of such innovative construction techniques hinges on the early buy-in of all team members, including design teams, investors, and reliable delivery partners. The robust collaboration among the contractors, particularly with Midgard, part of the JRL Group and the main contractor for Urbanest Canary Wharf, has been pivotal in ensuring the smooth execution of both construction projects. With the Canary Wharf development now ahead of schedule, it is expected to be completed by summer 2026, allowing students to occupy the building a full academic year earlier than initially planned. This outcome exemplifies the significant financial benefits that stem from embracing modern construction methods.
The March discussion hosted by Walsh represents the first in a series of talks aimed at showcasing innovative and cost-effective building methods in the PBSA sector. With a turnout of nearly 100 professionals from various sectors, including developers, consultants, architects, and engineers, the event underscored the growing interest in modernisation within the UK PBSA market and the essential role that Walsh plays in supporting such forward-thinking projects.