Guildford

Guildford is a 99-studio student residential development on in Guildford, overlooking the River Wey. The project was designed and delivered by Stelling Properties' in-house architectural team, led by Gary in his role as Head of Technical Architecture and Sustainability, with the team providing design and detailed technical development, and support through construction.

The architecture responds to the scale and constraints of its riverside setting by dividing the accommodation into a series of clearly articulated volumes. Two principal brick elements step in height and are separated by a recessed glazed central section, breaking down the overall mass while creating a strong vertical focus within the composition. The recessed upper level further reduces the perceived height of the building and establishes a clear hierarchy between base, middle and top.

Brick gives the building its principal architectural character. Deep window reveals, expressed vertical piers and a regular grid of openings establish a strong rhythm across the elevations, with darker inset panels adding depth and contrast. The masonry gives the building a permanence appropriate to its urban setting while the disciplined repetition of the façade is softened by subtle changes in height, depth and proportion.

The relationship with the river was equally important. The building presents an ordered residential frontage towards the landscape, with the wider external works connecting the development to the riverside edge and adjoining public realm. The landscape and levels strategy carefully coordinates the building with the existing topography, pedestrian routes and the flood-sensitive land closest to the River Wey.

Inside, the design was conceived as more than a collection of individual studios. The ground floor brings together a series of shared spaces including a lounge, games area, communal kitchen, study spaces, TV room, coffee station and laundry, while a gym occupies part of the first floor. These facilities are organised around the entrance and central circulation, giving communal life a visible presence within the building rather than treating amenity as residual space.

The interiors reinforce this social character through double-height spaces, internal glazing, strong colour, integrated furniture and varied lighting. More intimate study and seating areas sit alongside larger communal rooms, creating a range of environments for studying, meeting and relaxing.

Although modern methods of construction informed the technical development of the scheme, the completed building demonstrates how a disciplined construction system can support rather than determine the architecture. Repetition becomes rhythm, dimensional coordination becomes proportion, and a highly efficient residential plan is given identity through massing, material depth and carefully considered communal space.

Guildford demonstrates the value of combining architectural design, technical understanding and delivery experience to create high-density student accommodation that contributes positively to its setting and to the experience of those who live there.

The building provides 99 studios, with many orientated towards the River Wey, and achieved an EPC A rating and a commendation for design quality at the Guildford Design Awards.