Project Studio

Commissioned by developer Manner and funded by BlackRock, The Store House sits at the heart of Leeds' retail and entertainment district on Briggate and its location is no coincidence. The site's heritage as a former Victorian department store became the creative foundation for the entire interior concept.

We were appointed as interior designer in 2022, delivering the full design scope across 5,300+ sqft of carefully curated amenity space. Drawing on in-depth research into Victorian department store detailing; concession stands, display cabinetry, heritage retail layouts, the team crafted a series of bespoke joinery elements that subtly map the ground floor, blending historical references with the needs of modern student life.

The result is a layered, hospitality-inspired environment that balances durability with warmth. Amenities include a fully equipped gym, games lounge, cinema room, private dining, rooftop terrace, wellness enclave, co-working and study spaces, and a quiet study room concealed behind a feature bookcase wall.

Sustainability was embedded as a core principle throughout, with every design decision aligned to BREEAM Excellent certification, UK Net Zero Carbon targets, and ESG criteria as part of the building's Article 8 Fund inclusion.

We also designed the wayfinding and signage, reinforcing each space's identity through graphic and tactile elements for seamless navigation throughout.

The Store House sets a new benchmark for purpose-built student accommodation in urban settings; where heritage, innovation, and wellbeing come together in one cohesive living experience.

Client: Manner
Project Type:
Project Status: completed 2025
Apartments: 369 bedrooms
Amenity Areas: 5381 sqft
Services: Fully Interior Design Services including Amenity Design RIBA Stages 1-6; Client Monitoring Services; FF&E; Signage & Wayfinding Design and Dressing

The distinction between private living space and shared amenity is becoming increasingly blurred. Residents now expect communal areas to function as genuine extensions of their homes; places where they can relax, work, and spend time comfortably.

This requires a shift away from overly corporate or transient design language, towards something more residential in feel.

We approach amenity spaces with the same level of care and consideration as we would a private interior. Materiality, lighting, and layout are all selected to create warmth, comfort, and familiarity.

By designing spaces that feel lived-in rather than staged, we enable residents to form a stronger connection to their environment.

Projects:
◾Vista River Gardens - dining
◾Bankside - lounge
◾Sunbeam Factory - lounge
◾Sunbeam Factory - kitchen

With over 20,000sqft of amenity space on offer across 3 buildings at One Eastside Block B, we looked to approach the amenity offer as an ecosystem, where every space plays a role in enhancing wellbeing, fostering community, and supporting everyday living.

The concept blends Birmingham’s industrial legacy with a contemporary, confident aesthetic, balancing layered textures, muted palettes, and tactile materials to bring warmth and identity to each space.

In the reception lobby, double-height lime rendered green walls with a stepped detail, look to frame views across a series of interlinked spaces, this paired with recycled stone-content tiled flooring, provide a contemporary nod to the neighbouring Victorian brickwork architecture.

Other materials include weathered brass and oak, along with Brazilian granite provide patina and solidity to the space.

Block B provides a state-of-the-art gym, studio, and wellness spa complete with steam room, sauna, whirlpool bath, plunge pool, treatment rooms and a juice bar, forming a dedicated destination for resident’s wellbeing.

Client: Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC)
Project Type: Build To Rent
Project Status: complete 2026
Apartments: 667
Amenity Areas- 20, 000 sqft
Services: Fully Interior Design Services including Amenity Design RIBA Stages 1-6; Client Monitoring Services; FF&E; Signage & Wayfinding Design and Dressing