Winner of student accommodation design announced
On Monday, Trinity’s Site Development Group chose a winner from among the five designers shortlisted to design our new student accommodation building. After the candidates made final virtual presentations, Bristol-based O’LearyGoss Architects was selected as the firm best suited to partner with Trinity on this project.
‘It has been a real honour to journey with all involved over the past few years as we engaged in the many conversations and consultations regarding our site development,’ says Trinity’s Head of Properties and Facilities Malcolm Bourne, who serves as project lead. ‘We had an encouraging day hearing from the five shortlisted designers, are so thankful to all five of those shortlisted, and greatly appreciate the considerable work that has gone into their proposals. It was a very closely contested process. We now look forward to planning the next stage in our site development with O’LearyGoss Architects.’
The decision-making process was a community effort, with Trinity trustees, the Student Exec president, an alumna, a building consultant, and Trinity’s Senior Management Team serving together in the Site Development Group. Trinity’s student disability rep also offered feedback on the proposals.
‘We want to invest in the future of residential theological education and in the benefits of people coming together into community to learn,’ says Trinity Principal Revd Dr Sean Doherty. ‘Living in community provides a strong base for formation, as well as a model that can be used by our students wherever they go. Our vision for this site development is for quality accommodation in which our students can flourish, and we look forward to partnering with O’LearyGoss as we work towards this vision.’
O’LearyGoss architect Michael Drake adds, ‘We are delighted to have been selected to work with Trinity College Bristol on this exciting project to be set within the beautiful grounds of Stoke House. This project offers an opportunity to develop the concept design collaboratively, with the goal of creating a sustainable development that truly meets the needs of its future residents, while respecting the historic setting and gentle ecology of the site.’
This competition was conducted in partnership with Bristol Housing Festival and has sought ideas that would foster community at Trinity and use ecological building methods. After receiving more than thirty initial design proposals, the Site Development Group selected five finalists last June.
Posted 9 December 2020