University of Canterbury
Tupuārangi - University of Canterbury Accommodation
Tupuārangi is a fully-catered student accommodation facility developed for the University of Canterbury. Spanning two towers, this seven-story residence provides over 250 ensuite rooms and student living spaces designed to foster connection and support.
Key Information
Client: University of Canterbury |
TImeline: 2024-2026 |
Area: 7,500m² |
Total Value: $63 million |
Capacity: 283 students |
About the project
Tupuārangi is a seven-storey student accommodation facility situated on HomesteadLane at the University of Canterbury. Spanning a gross floor area of 7,660m², the project provides 283 modern ensuite rooms designed to support contemporary student lifestyles. A key technical highlight is the use of prefabricated bathroom pods, which enhanced construction quality and efficiency while minimising on-site waste.
The building is strategically positioned to back onto the historic Ilam Gardens, creating a strong environmental relationship between the modern structure and its heritage surroundings. Internally, the facility features dedicated breakout and social spaces on every level, complemented by a fully catered dining area to foster community connection. Delivered within a fully operational campus, the project required meticulous planning and high-level collaboration with the University and existing providers to ensure seamless integration and long-term community value.
Our approach
Innovation and efficiency were integrated throughout the design and construction process to deliver a high-quality facility focused on long-term value and the student experience. By utilising off-site manufactured bathroom pods, we achieved a superior level of finish while accelerating the project timeline and significantly reducing on-site waste. This commitment to efficiency extended to the structural design, which was optimised for material performance, and the use of a full-scale service mock-up to resolve spatial issues early and protect generous ceiling heights. The resulting building is both resilient and inclusive, featuring a robust heating and cooling system with built-in redundancy and enhanced emergency access via an oversized stretcher lift. With a focus on universal access, the site exceeds standard mobility requirements and includes future-proofed rooms and the latest seismic safety standards, ensuring a safe, adaptable, and highly functional environment for the entire community.
