iQ Kingston,
Kingston Upon Thames
Project Description
DCK was selected with one other contractor to undertake this challenging project to totally refurbish 214 student bedrooms, 17 cluster kitchens/rooms, circulation areas and ground floor common room, and the conversion of a cycle store to a new gym in the 12 week summer recess. iQ Kingston is a nine storey building, comprising basement, ground and seven upper floor levels, built in 2008, and which is situated in a prominent position in Kingston town-centre adjacent to the River Thames.
The project was very challenging from a logistics point of view with only a single door access into the rear of the property. Access through the main front doors was prohibited as it fronts onto a busy road junction in the centre of the Kingston shopping centre. In addition vertical transportation through the building was also a challenge with the beneficial use of the two small passenger lifts the only method to access the upper floors to remove waste and deliver the large quantity of new furniture into the bedrooms and communal kitchens.
All 214 bedrooms, all en-suite, were stripped of all furniture, refurbished and re-furnished to a high standard. Over 60 percent of the bedrooms have kitchenettes whilst those that don’t, use a cluster kitchen shared by up to six bedrooms. The majority of bedrooms have bathroom pods that were refurbished with eleven bedrooms having a full bathroom that were replaced. To achieve the demanding 12 week programme included out of hours working and meticulous attention to detail with regards to programming and sequencing.
To reflect the requirements of students, DCK converted the existing cycle store to a fully equipped gym. The main entrance foyer was also stripped out and refurbished to provide a refreshed entrance to the building. DCK handed over their areas three weeks ahead of programme much to the delight of the client who in turn could accept students as planned to ensure a smooth start to the new academic year.
Plan and Details
| Project Type | Student Accommodations |
| Client | Keepmoat |
| Completion Date | Completed in 2016 |
| Project Size | Few Apartments |
