Etwall House

Project Overview Urban delivered a comprehensive furniture, fittings, and equipment (FFE) package for Etwall House, a striking 44-unit timber frame development in Derby. This large-scale project demonstrated Urban's capability to create cohesive, high-quality interior solutions that balance premium aesthetics with commercial viability for student accommodation.

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Project Details

• Date: August 2024

• Location: Derby

• Service: Kitchens & Furniture

• Status: Complete

• Property Type: Student accommodation development

• Units: 44 modern residential units

• Construction: New timber frame build

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Design Philosophy

The brief called for furniture delivering a high-end aesthetic while remaining commercially viable for the student rental market. Urban's challenge was to create interiors that matched the development's contemporary exterior architecture while ensuring durability and functionality for intensive residential use.

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Complete Interior Solution

Bespoke Kitchenettes

Urban designed and manufactured compact kitchen solutions optimised for student living:

• Space-efficient layouts maximising functionality within compact footprints

• Durable materials selected for high-usage residential environments

• Contemporary aesthetics complement the building's modern architectural style

• Integrated storage solutions are essential for small-space living

• Consistent specification across all 44 units, ensuring uniformity and maintenance efficiency

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Custom Bedroom Furniture

Each unit features coordinated bedroom furniture manufactured to Urban's exacting standards:

Beds & Headboards

• Purpose-built bed frames designed for durability and student lifestyle requirements

• Integrated headboard designs create focal points while maximising space efficiency

• Quality construction ensuring longevity in high-turnover accommodation

• Contemporary styling that appeals to modern student preferences

Storage Solutions

• Built-in wardrobes maximise vertical space within compact rooms

• Custom sizing accommodating the timber frame building's specific dimensions

• Durable internal fittings designed for frequent use and rearrangement

• Clean, handleless aesthetics maintain the development's modern appearance

Integrated Desk Systems

• Purpose-designed study areas supporting academic requirements

• Compact designs that don't compromise on functionality

• Ergonomic considerations ensure comfortable study environments

Vanity Units

• Space-optimised designs maximising storage in compact bathrooms

• Contemporary finishes maintain design consistency throughout units

• Practical functionality meeting student accommodation requirements

Sliding Door Systems

• Custom ensuite sliding doors maximise space efficiency in compact layouts

• Quality hardware ensuring smooth operation and durability

• Aesthetic integration complementing the overall interior design scheme

• Space-saving solutions are essential for student accommodation layouts

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Architectural Finishing Elements

Urban's scope extended to essential architectural details:

• Pre-finished skirting and architraves ensure a professional presentation throughout

• Quality installation standards create seamless finishes

• Consistent specifications across all 44 units

• Attention to detail that elevates the overall accommodation standard

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Manufacturing Excellence

Scale Production

The project required Urban to demonstrate large-scale manufacturing capabilities:

• 44 complete furniture packages manufactured to identical specifications

• Quality consistency is maintained across the entire production run

• Efficient production scheduling meeting tight project deadlines

• Resource management, coordinating materials and workshop capacity for bulk production

Timber Frame Integration

Working with the timber frame construction method required specific considerations:

• Precise measurements accommodating the building's construction methodology

• Installation coordination working within the timber frame construction schedule

• Structural integration ensures that furniture installations complement the building system

• Quality control, maintaining standards within the timber frame environment

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Student Accommodation Expertise

Durability Focus

Understanding the demands of student accommodation, Urban specified:

• High-durability materials capable of withstanding intensive use

• Robust construction methods ensure furniture longevity

• Easy maintenance finishes support efficient property management

• Damage-resistant solutions minimise replacement and refurbishment costs

Aesthetic Appeal

Despite the commercial requirements, Urban delivered:

• Contemporary design language appeals to modern student preferences

• High-end appearance that doesn't compromise on commercial viability

• Cohesive visual presentation creating desirable living environments

• Premium finishes that enhance the accommodation's market position

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Project Impact

For Property Developers

• Turnkey interior solution eliminating multiple supplier coordination

• Cost-effective premium specification balancing quality with commercial requirements

• Consistent quality delivery across all 44 units

• Professional project management supporting the overall development timeline

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For Students & Property Management

• Functional living environments supporting academic and social needs

• Durable furnishings reduce maintenance and replacement costs

• Contemporary aesthetics create a desirable accommodation

• Space-optimised solutions maximising liveability within compact units

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Urban's Competitive Advantage

Scale Capability: Successfully delivering complete furniture packages for 44 units demonstrates Urban's capacity for large-scale residential projects while maintaining quality consistency.

Student Accommodation Expertise Understanding the specific requirements of student housing - durability, functionality, aesthetic appeal, and commercial viability - positions Urban as a specialist in this sector.

Integrated Solutions Providing everything from kitchenettes to architectural finishing under one contract simplifies procurement and ensures design cohesion.

Commercial Understanding Balancing high-end aesthetics with commercial requirements demonstrates Urban's understanding of the student accommodation market's unique demands.

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Why Etwall House Demonstrates Urban's Expertise

This project showcases several key Urban strengths:

• Large-scale project delivery with consistent quality across 44 units

• Commercial accommodation expertise, understanding rental market requirements

• Design innovation creating premium aesthetics within budget constraints

• Manufacturing efficiency, coordinating bulk production with construction schedules

• Complete package delivery from kitchens through to architectural finishing