Street furniture for student accommodation courtyard

Context

Queens Walk student accommodation in the centre of Reading is a short walk from the University of West London, and a 15 minute bus journey from the Whitenights Campus.

Barton Willmore was commissioned to produce design proposals for an existing courtyard space as part of wider refurbishment works to Yell House. 

Products supplied

To meet their design objectives Barton Willmore chose Omos to supply the raised planters, bench seating and architectural canopies. Following their design intent Omos produced detailed 3D CAD models of all to ensure that the design objectives, functional criteria and manufacturing practicalities were all considered and satisfied prior to manufacture.

The s21 planter was chosen as it allows for total flexibility in design and layout from large square tree planters to vast low shrub planters. These were combined with bench seating in a similar style with untreated hardwood surfaces. Omos also developed bespoke canopies and benches which are positioned around the entrance to the building.

Omos worked closely with Barton Willmore and the main contractor Osborne to ensure a smooth and timely delivery of the project.

Outcome

The resulting landscape design incorporates a mix of both hard and soft landscape treatments which enhance the public environment for students, hotel residents and visitors and create a vibrant and memorable outdoor space.

New trees and shrub planting forms an important feature of the design to provide shade, screening and seasonal interest. New planting is provided within raised planters to allow suitable rooting volumes, whilst not compromising the structural loading of the existing deck to the car park below.