5 vacant buildings that were transformed into student accommodation

11 Apr 2019

A lucrative niche for investors, there have been surprising student accommodation renovations happening all over the globe.

Constrained by tight financial budgets, students are on the hunt for affordable accommodation, despite the allure of snazzy fixtures linke android-controlled lighting.

Check out these innovative transformations…

1. A former car-radio button factory

View this post on Instagram

mornings in the campus cafe ☕️ #gutenmorgen #berlinberlin #officevibes #G27 #gimmeallthecoffee #designenvy #aesthetics

A post shared by fenna. (@fenbot21) on Feb 1, 2019 at 2:40am PST

Now known as the G.27 Global Institute, developed by Macro Sea, this former car-radio button factory was converted into a 260-room community.

Located in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, it’s a popular landmark for student residents to make everlasting memories.

2. A Russian cargo ship – Kuzma Minin

View this post on Instagram

Out on the oceon with the Kuzma Minin that recently ran aground off #Gyllyngvase beach. #cornwall #falmouth #ships #kuzmaminin #cornish #falmouthbay

A post shared by Jaycub (@jade.orson) on Jan 6, 2019 at 1:29am PST

That’s right – there are plans to transform an old Russian cargo ship into student accommodation!

Though the development is yet to begin, this project aims to solve a shortage of student housing in Falmouth, England, and Penryn, Wales, and has been bought by a private consortium.

3. Shipping containers

View this post on Instagram

Si! Construccions amb containers, en aquesta ocasió al port de #copenhagen #nyhavn @amassrestaurant @urbanrigger #urbanriggers

A post shared by Laia Arnal Arasa (@laiaarnal) on Apr 7, 2019 at 12:36am PDT

Keeping with the maritime theme, the Urban Rigger project is a unique, design-protected, floating, flexible, CO₂-neutral and mobile property.

Each unit can house up to 12 students and this Copenhagen harbour-based accommodation strikes up interest from passers-by and fellow students.

4. Town Halls

View this post on Instagram

Southwark Town Hall has been repurposed to accommodate student housing and now includes a new theatre clad in iridescent tiles. Looks amazing. ⠀ Made by architects jestico + whiles in London 2017. ⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ Want to know more? Go to the blog – Link in bio. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ @klink_architecture @jesticowhiles #peckhamtheatre #southwarktownhall #iridescent #ceramicarchitecture #architecturalceramics #tilearchitecture #architecture #ceramics #cladding #klink #klinkarchitecture #jesticowhiles #nordicarchitecture #tiles #ceramictiles #sustainability #copenhagen #klink_architecture #sustainablearchitecture #architettura #keramik #copenhagenceramics #klinker #arkitektur #coverings #art #design #ceramicreview #terracotta #ihavethisthingwithtiles

A post shared by K L I N K (@klink_architecture) on Oct 12, 2017 at 6:47am PDT

Established by architectural powerhouse Jestico + Whiles, a town hall in London has been renovated into accommodation for new students at Theatre Peckham and Goldsmiths College.

A 149-room development, it has been designed to enable high levels of community use and includes private student gardens and generous common spaces.

5. Vacant city buildings

View this post on Instagram

Reviving Chicago’s historic beauties! #lgconstruction #historic #vintage #chicago #charm #details #lookingup #restoration

A post shared by LG Construction + Development (@lg_development) on Aug 24, 2016 at 1:20pm PDT

This historic South Loop building in Chicago was converted into 30 fully-furnished, off-campus, hotel-like apartments for students.

By reusing old buildings and renovating them with style and respect, developers are tackling the fast development trend and acting with a sustainable mindset.