Stride Treglown’s Bristol Passivhaus student accommodation scheme approved

Plans for one of the world’s largest student accommodation schemes designed to Passivhaus standards have been approved.

The scheme for the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and designed by Stride Treglown was given the go-ahead by South Gloucestershire Council, with enabling work to begin on site next month.

The UWE Bristol scheme is made up of 900 bedspaces over 26,000m² in a mix of studios and four-, six- and eight-bed clusters.

The Passivhaus design means that once complete, the complex of buildings will operate at a 75% carbon reduction compared to the same size buildings of traditional design and construction.

What energy it does require for heating and hot water will be generated by photovoltaics or air source heat pumps using heat recovery systems to maximise the energy efficiency. 

Matt Tarling, director at Stride Treglown, said: “If we’re to seriously tackle our national carbon commitments, then all future projects will need the skills and experience we’re putting into action here.”

In line with Passivhaus principles, the scheme shapes and orientates the buildings to gain maximum benefit from winter sun.

Glazing levels to each elevation vary to balance the need to provide daylighting, ventilation and views with minimal heat loss and solar gain. Deep reveals, perforated panels and shading fins are also included.

The development will create a variety of amenity spaces and green corridors, while social and study spaces, laundry and cycling facilities have been included in the design following extensive student consultation.

Landscape design, which was also by Stride Treglown, will provide landscaped courtyards, orchard-planting and green corridors.

The first phase will be ready for occupation in September 2023 academic year. In all, more than 2,250 new student beds will be built at the Frenchay campus.