UNSW Village by Campus Living Villages Pty Ltd for The Campus Living Villages Fund at The University of New South Wales
Situated on The University of New South Wales' (UNSW) main Kensington campus, the new UNSW Village, a high density student accommodation development, sets new standards in university accommodation. Whilst the new development provides a contemporary well-designed and environmentally sound student village it also retained significant heritage buildings such as the Fig Tree Theatre, the Old Tote building and the Whitehouse building along with several 100-year old figs throughout the site.
UNSW Village accommodates 1021 students in self-contained apartments in a variety of one to eight-bed configurations. All fully-furnished, the apartments boast well-equipped kitchens, lounges, dining areas and ample study space. Occupying only 1.65ha the development represents good use of the site with a balance of external spaces to built form. The architectural intent was to provide a development with natural, durable materials, cogniscent of its use, while providing a superior design solution with strong environmental credentials.
The Village also provides ancillary spaces for students including retail, cafe, e-library, student lounge and laundries, administration for staff, and the Fig Tree theatre which is available for use by both students and the general public.
The development was undertaken by Campus Living Villages (CLV) as a BOOT scheme with the land leased by CLV for 40 years. UNSW Village is also managed by CLV in partnership with UNSW. Rental rates including utilities and student support services range from $225 - $330 per week.
In addition to the student facilities the development features precast 'thermomass' walls for superior thermal performance, pre-cast hollow core slabs which provide cross ventilation to bedrooms through vents in the ceiling and opposite external wall, grey-water recycling to laundries, solar boosted gas hot water, ceiling fans to bedrooms/apartments (no air conditioning) and balconies to living areas.
Judges Comments
UNSW Village is a high-density development with efficient use of a constrained site. Effectively co-located within the University precinct, the village was able to eliminate need for cars while capitalising on through-flow pedestrian movements.
The restoration of adjoining heritage buildings for recreational use adds to desired student amenity. This is further enhanced by design elements such as provision of cross-flow ventilation to bedrooms supported by use of pre-cast hollow core slabs permitting avoidance of air-conditioning. Student amenity is further enhanced through strategic location of communal services and spaces.
In addition to several energy and water efficiency initiatives, careful choice of construction materials and finishes will ensure minimal maintenance obligations despite intensive use.