Timber street furniture elevates the outdoor space at Hawkins Road

THE BRIEF

Street furniture combines functionality with aesthetic appeal

Hawkins Road is a major 92,000 sq ft purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Colchester, part of the University of Essex Campus. The accommodation offers a mix of cluster and studio rooms alongside top-tier indoor and outdoor amenities including social, study, gaming and fitness spaces. Built with sustainability in mind, the site has earned a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Langley Design worked in collaboration with Watkin Jones and Ubu Design to understand the specific sustainability & design requirements for this project and crafted a fully bespoke sedum roof bin store that blends seamlessly into the landscape and promotes biodiversity.

WHAT WE DID

Sedum roof bin store blends into the landscape

A fully bespoke Sheldon Bin Store (SBS304) was thoughtfully designed and installed to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Made from sustainably sourced timber, it features three double sliding gates that provide secure, well-ventilated compartments for student waste and recycling. The bin store is crowned with a full-length sedum roof, which helps reduce rainwater runoff and supports biodiversity across the site. Discreetly positioned, the structure combines a galvanises steel framework and durable fittings with a sleek timber-clad exterior that not only maintains a clean, orderly appearance but also highlights the development’s strong commitment to sustainability and cohesive, eco-friendly design.

Integrated seating and planters—a series of Sheldon Timber Planters (SPL316) made from treated redwood were positioned beside the building’s green space in the courtyard. These features soften the landscape and offer a welcoming environment for students to take a moment to relax from games or exercise, or spend time socialising outdoors.

A total of 32 Malford Bollards (MBD203) were supplied throughout the site to establish a safe, pedestrian-friendly setting, helping to manage traffic flow while protecting shared community areas.

THE RESULT

Timber street furniture elevates Hawkins Road’s outdoor space

The expertly crafted timber street furniture has helped shape an outdoor space that truly embodies the design vision. Students are able to connect with nature and relax comfortably on the planter seating, while the bin store remains discreet and unobtrusive.

The Hawkins Road student accommodation project demonstrates how thoughtful street furniture can seamlessly combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Through close collaboration and innovative design, Langley Design provided bespoke solutions that not only improve the site’s usability and safety but also highlight its strong commitment to sustainability. This creates a welcoming environment that nurtures both the wellbeing of students and the surrounding ecosystem, setting a benchmark for future projects.

Langley Design’s expertise in creating tailored street furniture was instrumental in bringing the project’s vision to life, earning high praise from both the contractor and architect.