Cornell Quarter, Teesside University

Project:                          Cornell Quarter, Middlesbrough
Sector:                           Student accommodation  
Client:                            Teesside University 
Main Contractor:           Wates
Pod Type:                      GRP composite shower rooms  
Number of pods:           280 including 16 pods to meet DDA
                                        requirements

The Project

The Cornell Quarter at Teesside University is a new 300-bed, 8286sqm student accommodation scheme in the centre of Middlesbrough.

The project represents a £21.4m investment by the University to develop contemporary on-campus accommodation.

The development provides single and double ensuite bedrooms arranged across 48 cluster apartments with communal kitchens. Other facilities include cinema room, gym and on-site laundry.

The Bathroom Pod Solution

The GRP composite shower pods were specified from Offsite Solutions’ extensive library of standardised layouts to reduce design time and tooling costs.

Each shower room has a wet room floor and a white tile-effect finish which is integral to the pod carcase.

The pods were pre-fitted with durable vinyl flooring, shower, hand basin and wall-mounted toilet with push-button fitting.

280 pods were manufactured for this project, including 16 units designed for students with special mobility needs. These larger shower rooms were supplied floorless to achieve continuous level access floors.

The Advantages of GRP Composite Pods

GRP shower pods are specified for projects where robustness, longevity and ease of maintenance are the primary considerations. These pods are now widely used in the student, affordable housing, military, healthcare and hotel sectors.

Offsite Solutions’ panelised pod construction, which is unique in the UK, creates vertical walls and 90° corners. This design allows easier integration in the building, and the use of standard door sets without further work on site. It improves aesthetics by avoiding tapered walls and a realistic tile-effect finish and recesses integral to the pod carcase can be incorporated cost effectively into the design of the bathrooms.