Ten Traffic Street

Background

In the heart of Nottingham, you'll find two major universities: the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. When the need for new student accommodations became clear, JENSCO Student Living announced its latest purpose-built student apartment development, Ten Traffic Street. This exceptional co-living development, comprised of 522 bedrooms and studios thoughtfully arranged around landscaped courtyards, would create a welcoming and community-focused living environment tailored to provide a modern and inclusive student accommodation experience.

The Vision

This student and co-living residential development would cater to the diverse needs of its residents, and to do so, it had to meet certain criteria set by JENSCO Group, CPMG Architects, BSP Consulting, Couch Perry Wilkes, and Ares Landscape Architects. The development had to address durability, slip resistance, acoustic performance, comfort ergonomics, ease of maintenance, environmental impact, as well as aesthetics and cohesion. Also, Ten Traffic Street would feature a range of amenity facilities such as a cinema, gym, games room, library, communal study area, party room, and café – all areas requiring varying flooring types. In addition to fulfilling these requirements, the project aimed to create a vibrant and modern living environment that would not only enhance the student experience with a touch of luxury but also endure the test of time.

Why Tarkett?

Tarkett was the natural choice for this project because of its reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable flooring solutions. With a focus on durability, design versatility, and environmental responsibility, Tarkett's wide range of products perfectly aligned with the vision of creating an inviting and practical living space at Ten Traffic Street. Keeping space users in mind, having low-maintenance and inclusive flooring solutions was crucial. To meet the design team's requirements, Tarkett provided a diverse range of products for various spaces throughout the project. Additionally, with its new TEKTANIUM™ PU coating, which creates an ultra-matt finish, Tarkett could offer exceptional resistance to scratches, abrasions, wear, and stains, while reflecting less light to achieve acceptable LRVs (Light Reflectance Values) for more inclusive environments.

Products Used

Covering an impressive 3,600m², Tarkett's flooring and sports solutions were thoughtfully and strategically used throughout Ten Traffic Street. In the living areas, the natural, textured appearance of DESSO Grezzo 8927 carpet tiles complemented the cosy, inviting atmosphere that the overall design sought to achieve for the development. To create a seamless flow out into the corridors and circulation spaces, a complementary DESSO Grezzo 9033 was installed, providing a durable and low-maintenance solution for these high-traffic areas. These carpet tiles have unique patterns; no two tiles are the same, forming a refined finish and bringing luxury to student and co-living accommodations.

In the reception and communal areas of 'Block A' of Ten Traffic Street, the eco-friendly composition and natural fibre aesthetic of iD Inspiration Naturals LVT, in the design Fibra GREEN, contributed to the sustainability goals and welcoming ambience of the shared spaces. Inspiration Naturals LVT, in the design Terrazzo Classical NERO, was also used to add a touch of sophistication with its classic terrazzo pattern and darker colour scheme. To prioritise tenant safety while ensuring a unified design, Shire Flooring installed two key products, including iQ Granit SD in the design Granit Light Grey 0395 and Acczent Excellence 80 in the design Concrete COOL GREY. Together, these products helped to uphold a clean and secure environment with their hygienic, anti-static and slip-resistant properties.

'Block B' reception and communal areas also featured iD Inspiration Naturals LVT, but in two different designs from those used in ‘Block A’: Fibra TERRACOTTA and Terrazzo Classical TERRACOTTA. The use of these designs not only created a distinction between the two blocks of Ten Traffic Street but also brought warmth to ‘Block B’ with natural hues and terrazzo patterns. In the nearby sofa and swing seat zone, iD Mixonomi in various colours including Tessitura CAPUCCINO, Tessitura ROSEWOOD, Tessitura TERRACOTTA, and Tessitura COBALT, were installed to create relaxing seating areas.

Additionally, Tarkett’s Omnisports Speed 3.45mm was used in the wellness studio, providing a safe and comfortable surface for a variety of fitness activities, and UK-manufactured, anti-slip Safetred Universal was incorporated into onsite commercial spaces, addressing the concerns of heavy footfall and client safety while seamlessly integrating with the overall design.

Results

The incorporation of Tarkett's flooring solutions has significantly transformed the living environment at Ten Traffic Street in Nottingham, resulting in a modern, comfortable, and visually appealing development. Through its collaboration with Tarkett, the project was able to easily obtain flooring for different spaces and purposes, streamlining the design and installation process. The selected flooring not only meets the high standards of student accommodation but also aligns with JENSCO Student Living's dedication to fostering a sustainable and inclusive community for its residents. So much so that it has been nominated for the East Midlands Property Dinner 2024 Design Excellence Award. This award further highlights the exceptional design achieved through the careful consideration of key objectives such as durability, slip resistance, comfort, and maintenance, effectively creating a living environment that caters to the residents' needs and aligns with the planned vision for the project.

The People Behind the Project

“A welcoming haven for our city’s students, offering a true home-away-from-home experience. Incorporating pastel colours throughout Ten Traffic Street contributes significantly to the creation of a tranquil yet lively atmosphere. Soft hues such as pale blues, greens, and oranges infuse the spaces with a sense of calmness while still maintaining an element of playfulness. The transition between zones, from cosy communal areas to secluded study spaces, ensures a well-rounded environment conducive to both relaxation and productivity. This balance fosters a sense of belonging for students, akin to a home-away-from-home, where they can unwind with friends in the communal area or focus on their studies in designated breakout areas. These communal spaces not only support individual growth but also encourage healthy social interactions, offering students the opportunity to organise social gatherings and forge lasting connections within their community.”

― Catherine Morris, Senior Interior Designer at CPMG Architects

“A lovely project to have been involved with, a great example of what student accommodation can look like with considered design, utilising healthy and affordable flooring materials. I wish I could have lived somewhere like this when I was a student!”

― Adam Dimmock, Project Consultant for Commercial, Healthcare, Education & Sport at Tarkett