Astor College
Astor College is an award-winning residence in the heart of Fitzrovia, with iconic London locations at walking distance in every direction. Two hundred and ninety four residents call it home.
![The entrance to Astor College A woman wearing headphones walks across the entrance of Astor College, the award-winning Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê hall of residence](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/large_image/public/case-study/astor-college-entrance-ramp-2019-dla-design.jpg?itok=Q1zuhrai)
24 June 2021
Project Overview
The renovation of Astor College forms part of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê's wider strategy to provide 4,000 modern student bedrooms across London. The addition of an outdoor yard and an open-plan common area creates space for students to make the space their own, aÌýhome away from home, and a community hub.ÌýConstructed in the 1960s, the halls wereÌýreopened in 2019 with a new facade,Ìýa newÌýground floor courtyard, and fully refurbished bedrooms.
Impact
The experience of students who live at Astor College has been transformed by the redesign of the college. There are now more bedrooms whilst each room has a largerÌýbed than before. Step-freeÌýaccessibility throughout the building is guaranteed. The refreshed building boasts:Ìý
- 294Ìýstudent bedrooms, an increase of 60 additional bedrooms
- Improved step-free routes including ramp access,Ìýaccessible lifts, and 5 wheelchair-accessableÌýen-suites
- Modern kitchens with open-plan dining areas support students to choose how and when they eat
- Effortless wayfinding with tailored Astor College branding to create a personalised residence
- Communal lounges on the ground floorÌýand a furnished outdoor courtyard create a social hub for the whole college
Sustainability, Access, and Inclusion
The halls are located in a mixed residential and retail area, so an emphasis was placed on reusing materials wherever possible to minimise the amount of traffic to site and construction waste. This resulted in a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating. Astor College now has a much smaller resource footprint after refurbishment:
- The rooftop solar array contributes to a 50% reduction in emissions of CO2Ìý
- The building requies 40% less water consumption compared to before the refurbishment
- Appliances, lighting, and amenities have a high level of energy efficiency reducing the base load of the building
- RecessedÌýinsulatedÌýwindows keepÌýrooms warmÌýin the winter and cool in the summer
- Noise and light pollution from the college have been reduced, helping us to be good neighbours
Architects and Contractors
![](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/owl_carousel/public/astor-32_hi_res_1_1.jpg?itok=E3D0rkfI)
Astor College's renovated facade
![](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/owl_carousel/public/astor_25_of_113_1.jpg?itok=EvzS2Svu)
Lounges on the ground floor ensure a warm welcome for residents
![](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/owl_carousel/public/astor_26_of_113_1.jpg?itok=17mEf__r)
Personalised branding for Astor College help it to feel truly individual
![](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/owl_carousel/public/astor_40_of_113_1.jpg?itok=0oojp3wb)
A close up of the Astor College mural
![](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/owl_carousel/public/astor_22_of_113_1.jpg?itok=XskEhSfL)
The mezzanine floor of the common room
![](/estates/sites/estates/files/styles/owl_carousel/public/astor_20_of_113.jpg?itok=yK-N9B5M)
The reverse view of the common room upper floor
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