Montrose Terrace was conceived as a new generation of PBSA shaped around the realities of contemporary student life. Not simply providing accommodation, but creating an environment students would actively use, return to and identify with throughout the year.

Located within Edinburgh’s Abbeyhill neighbourhood, the project transforms a former derelict site into a vibrant student living environment that balances operational clarity with a more expressive, hospitality-inspired atmosphere. Early design thinking focused on how residents would move through the building, interact with shared spaces and transition between social activity, study and retreat across the course of everyday life.

Rather than treating amenity spaces as isolated selling points, the interiors were designed as part of a connected experience ecosystem. Shared kitchens, lounges, circulation spaces, fitness areas and private dining environments were carefully considered in relation to visibility, movement, comfort and behavioural flow, creating spaces that naturally encourage occupation and interaction without forcing it.

The visual language of the project leans into a younger, more energetic identity while remaining warm and accessible. Soft pastels, richer saturated accents, bold wayfinding moments and playful geometric forms create recognisable character throughout the building, helping communal spaces feel memorable and socially inviting rather than generic or institutional.

Across the 149 studios and cluster flats, the interiors balance efficiency with comfort through carefully integrated storage, durable materials and calmer bedroom environments that support focus, recovery and day-to-day ease. Shared spaces introduce more contrast and energy, creating a deliberate shift between private retreat and social engagement throughout the resident journey. Amenities including the double-height gym, yoga room, cinema, rooftop dining and social lounges were designed not simply to exist as brochure features but to support repeat use and everyday relevance. Attention was given to sightlines, atmosphere, lighting, acoustic softness and spatial flexibility to encourage a stronger sense of community and longer-term behavioural engagement within the building.

The result is a PBSA environment that feels vibrant, intuitive and socially connected demonstrating how student accommodation can move beyond static amenity checklists toward experience-led environments designed around belonging, movement and everyday use.