UWE Bristol’s environmentally conscious and student-focused accommodation wins three awards

Purdown View, the largest certified Passivhaus student accommodation development in the world, has been nationally recognised at the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards.

The awards recognise excellence, innovation, and community impact across the student accommodation sector. A panel of 30 judges from across the industry deliberated over 180 finalists. 

The accommodation, which comprises a 900-bedroom student village at the University’s Frenchay campus, won three categories – Halls of Residence Award, Health and Wellbeing Initiative, and Sustainability Initiative of the Year.

It is considered groundbreaking for its sustainability credentials, reducing energy by 81% and carbon by 79% per room compared with the housing it replaced. Purdown View has achieved Passivhaus certification, a sustainable approach to building which uses techniques to retain warmth and save energy on heating.

Halls of Residence Award

Judges praised UWE Bristol for its “thoughtful and collaborative approach to sustainable student living,” highlighting the impressive use of Passivhaus design and strong integration of mental health and wellbeing considerations that enhance the student experience.

Health and Wellbeing Initiative

Purdown View’s community-centred facilities – including a tree-lined boulevard, social dining space with demonstration kitchen, flexible MOVE Studio for fitness, and well-connected communal hubs – were recognised for creating inclusive spaces that actively support social interaction, physical activity and mental wellbeing.

“The scheme sets a high benchmark for environmentally conscious and student-focused development,” said the judges.

Sustainability Initiative of the Year

Purdown View pushes the boundaries of sustainable student accommodation, creating new methodologies and possibilities for the sector. UWE Bristol has demonstrated that the Passivhaus certification model is possible – and indeed highly suitable for student accommodation – and showed the possibilities for extensive biodiversity improvements.

“The University of the West of England sets a new benchmark for sustainable student accommodation, combining technical innovation, social inclusion and environmental impact,” said the judges.

“Its integration of Passivhaus standards, biodiversity net gain and wellbeing frameworks demonstrates sector leadership, while the Living Lab approach ensures ongoing research and influence across the UK and beyond.”

Kirsti Norris, Head of Carbon and Energy, said: “We know Purdown View is getting international recognition for the groundbreaking innovations in achieving Passivhaus standards, but the Student Accommodation Awards also shone a light on this accommodation as outstanding in its own right: an incredible place for our students to live and to recognise the focus in the design on the health and wellbeing of our students.

“This is more than a standard student accommodation – it has been so carefully thought through and designed, from the building operations to the social and study spaces, and the external landscaping. There is nothing quite like Purdown View, and it is great to get this innovation recognised at these awards.”

Gary Musson, UWE Project Manager, added: “Having been involved in the project for the last six years, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those who have also been on this journey alongside me, through inception to delivery. Whilst I am extremely proud to have managed this project, we should all feel proud of what we have delivered at UWE’s Frenchay campus, in creating a legacy in student accommodation for now, and for the future.”