85 Barry Street Student Accommodation, Melbourne, VIC

The 85 Barry Street project in Carlton delivered a consolidation of existing student housing on separate sites, into a newly constructed 13 storey student residential building. The building is GSA’s first acquisition in Australia and offers a new level of comfort and support to students in the area.

The 345 bed development offers students a wide selection of fully furnished ensuite rooms, single and double bedroom studios, flats, and loft-style apartments, providing a diverse range of accommodation to suit individual needs. Acoustic considerations were a key element in project success, allowing students to enjoy social and breakout spaces without impacting quiet study areas and bedrooms.

The design of mechanical systems considered the variation in occupancy, as well as the seasonal functionality of the building. This was integrated into a sustainable approach that optimised energy efficiency, while still providing a level of comfort that was pervasive and unobtrusive.

The electrical services had to consider the ubiquitous technology and appliance needs of students, which was discussed in collaborative workshops to develop solutions in consultation with key stakeholders representing GSA, and the occupants.

The communications system included high-speed internet that is vital to modern students, as well as a reliable WiFi design allowing use in every corner of the building.

The architectural design retained the existing façade to compliment the heritage nature of the area. NDY helped achieve this by designing services to minimise aesthetic impact on the facade features, while still including the infrastructure for appropriate electrical, hydraulic, mechanical and fire protection features.
NDY is proud to have worked with GSA from project conception through to handover, and the result is a building which provides a sense of home and community for its residents, supporting a cohort of students to succeed in their studies.