Brook Place is DMA’s first project with Grainger Plc, the largest listed professional landlord in the UK. This build-to-rent scheme is comprised of 237 apartments including a gym, reception/concierge desk, post box/mail room and co-working facilities.

The client’s brief was to create a space that was homely but inspired by the industrial past in an accommodating and approachable way. The key was to design somewhere comfortable, where residents would feel at home but also an aspirational place to live.

Taking inspiration from the local environment by honing in on the river, local materials, small details and natural elements in the surrounding area we developed a design that is environmentally aware and brings the outside in, creating soft and welcoming spaces to encourage interaction between residents. Personable amenity areas with cosy nooks and flexible zones tap into the heart of the locale with artwork, textures and colour.

Stainless steel kitchen and dark framed partitions reflect the area’s industrial past with general concepts and mood inspired by the brook that runs just behind the site. Droplets of light reflect the vibrant water from the mill dam while the reception finish imitates the cascading water.

When we design hotels, we try to create a home away from home feel, blending hospitality elements with the residential mood, so our spaces are easy and comfortable to use. We connect people to the spaces by communicating our concept narrative through finishes, ff&e and accessories selection. In order to create a residential area with longevity for Grainger, we’ve created intimate spaces where people want to dwell encouraging “accidental meetings” .

The scheme features co-working spaces with communal tables and light and loose furniture which can be moved around. Alongside the co-working space, we designed separate bookable rooms with kitchenettes. Modular furniture facilitates a number of uses. In the daytime these flexible areas can be used for working or meetings, while in the evening they can be transformed into an entertaining area. We installed a mobile pizza oven for use by residents and for events.

And these kinds of active frontages help market the scheme to potential residents including students from nearby universities who might consider moving there once they graduate.