UWC Atlantic College

Student Residence Fit-out

We were awarded the furniture contract for UWC Atlantic College to supply and install dormitory and breakout furniture for two new student residence buildings. Located on the 12th Century St Donat’s Castle campus site, the new buildings were designed based on the Welsh Long House to remain in-keeping with its historical surroundings. Inside, the furniture reflected the innovative college, providing multiple areas for collaboration and private study, in addition to the dormitories.

The install included bespoke fitted furniture to 24, four-bed dormitories, quiet study rooms and loose soft furniture to the kitchen lounge and day rooms.

Our projects team worked alongside UWC Atlantic College, to finalise the specification and finishes for the furniture. For the dormitories, a unique wood grain contrast was chosen for the furniture, enhancing the room's visual appeal with a quality finish and tone. The same dark wood finish was mirrored in the study rooms for the tables and storage. Additionally, a bespoke 7ft bed frame and mattress was installed in each dormitory.

In the kitchen and day rooms, the lounge sofas were required to be finished in an easy-to-clean material that could not be easily damaged. A quality vinyl was specified. To further increase the comfort for the students, we added a Soft-style Button Seat, which added additional detail, improving the overall aesthetic of the room. On the mezzanine, ‘Study Booths’ were designed in-house to give students an area for private study, away from the main relaxation and eating areas.

One of the challenges we faced in the initial design stages, was ensuring that the fitted furniture in the dormitories optimised storage space, whilst still giving students access to the power and data on the walls. Each room was measured and drawn to confirm sizes specifically for each dormitory before manufacture.

The result is two student residence blocks to be proud of, with furniture to promote private, collaborative, and relaxing areas that the students can utilise.

Project info

Client: UWC Atlantic College

Project Date: January 2021

Project Manager: Chris Reed

Project Value: £££

Project Location: South Wales

Download Case Study

“Cobus have worked closely with staff from the college to provide us with a practical, functional and modern environment for our students to live in. From a professional and flexible design service through to a really supportive approach throughout the installation phase against many logistical challenges - Cobus have been a pleasure to work with. We are very happy with the outcome”