The iQ Highbury site offers studio apartments and en suite rooms as well as a range of social spaces. Situated within a short commute to the central London universities, the five-storey accommodation block provides high-end student living for 600+ residents..
Every year iQ carries out various refurbishment works across their estate to ensure their properties provide the best home-from-home environments. During the summer 2023, the Highbury site was selected for renovation works which included a complete demolition and rebuild of the mezzanine area.
Higher Education | Student Accommodation
Location:
London
Manalo & White Architects worked closely with the client to redesign the existing social spaces with a focus on cultivating a sense of community. In addition to upgrading the amenity spaces, the design team also looked at modernising the student rooms. Once the specifications and designs were complete, works were then novated to Harris Evolution, who acted as the Principal Contractor.
The first phase of this project focused on the refurbishment of the 5th floor, totalling 151 en suite bedrooms and 13 cluster kitchens Works included new carpets & Amico flooring, full decorations and the installation of 13 DDA compliant kitchens. The second phase saw the complete demolition and rebuild of the Mezzanine floor to make way for a new cinema and karaoke room.
The amenity spaces incorporated various high-end, bespoke carpentry works which were unique to this project. The M&E package included the design and installation of a new ventilation system, upgraded lighting, CCTV and smoke detectors. Full decorations, new carpets and LVT were fitted throughout the new communal areas, and minor works were completed to the back of house and managers office.
