A selection of our recent projects across residential, commercial, and civic spaces.

The Sherwood Library project is a major regeneration initiative in Nottingham, led by Nottingham City Council to replace the outdated library with a new flagship building, serving the community with both a library and a supermarket. ARC Design Studio supported the developer in winning the project through a competitive tender process, which included redeveloping 1.4 acres of former council land within Sherwood. ARC has since guided the project through all RIBA work stages, providing design, planning, technical services, and on-site support during construction.

The building follows a fabric-first approach, designed to operate on 100% renewable energy through solar panels and air source heat pumps. ARC collaborated closely with Nottingham City Council, engaging local councillors, the public, and stakeholders throughout the design and planning phases.

The library was completed in late 2023, with the interior fit-out scheduled for 2024. The residential component of the masterplan has been approved and is currently under construction.

The Old Pump House is a good example of adaptive reuse. Constructed in the Victorian era, the building has had a long history serving the local community as an aquifer before becoming redundant. We felt that the most sensitive approach to this former Victorian structure was to tastefully convert the space into a bespoke family dwelling utilising as many of the original features as possible. By repurposing the building in this way, we were able to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction process whilst preserving the history of the site for generations to come.

The original building had been adapted over years of misuse with original windows damaged or removed along with the original roof structure. Our intervention restored all of the original features, weaving in contemporary features and on site energy generation to create a sustainable family dwelling.

Taking a fabric-first approach, the design incorporated solar panels, electric boilers, underfloor heating, and drainage attenuation to ensure a sustainable, energy-efficient home that harmonises with its greenbelt setting. This sensitive intervention preserves the heritage of the site for future generations while creating a modern, sustainable living space

The Ropewalk is a proposed mixed-use residential development in Nottingham’s Ropewalk Conservation area, situated next to the historic Canning Circus junction. The project will carefully restore and re-purpose part of the original building façade, preserving the site’s original stonework while incorporating a modern material palette.

Beneath the site lies an extensive cave network, which will be transformed into a distinctive ground-floor bar and hospitality venue. The rest of the development will be divided between short-stay accommodation and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), supporting local tourism and nearby educational institutions.

When revitalizing disused urban spaces, especially in city centers, it is essential to take a diverse and thoughtful approach. This ensures that projects not only enhance the existing community but also accommodate increasing occupancy demands. By densifying accommodation in city centers, we promote economic sustainability, create vibrant 24-hour activity, and foster connections between people’s work, life, and leisure. This, in turn, encourages chance encounters and strengthens social integration.

The Queens Drive PBSA scheme in Nottingham is a mixed-use development designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Strategically located near the University of Nottingham's new city centre campus this proposal fosters a deep integration of student life with the professional world, supporting the university’s focus on Research, AI, Data Science, and FinTech.

Comprising 717 student beds and 2,627 square meters of commercial space, the development is arranged around a central landscaped courtyard, creating an active, permeable environment that encourages interaction between students, professionals, and the wider community. The three blocks, with retail and commercial spaces at ground level and residential units above, have been carefully designed to provide a mix of live/work spaces where students can engage directly with industry through coworking areas and digital labs. These facilities are envisioned to support real-time collaboration with local businesses, enabling students to gain practical, hands-on experience within their fields of study.

The design actively promotes placemaking, creating a landmark structure that both anchors the site and attracts activity. The adjacent tram stop forms a key node, connecting the development with the main Nottingham campus and wider city, ensuring the scheme feels both connected and accessible. The building’s ground floor is lined with active frontages, fostering public interaction and offering a welcoming, vibrant interface between private and public realms. By interweaving high-quality landscaping with commercial elements, the proposal supports public activity while encouraging a sense of community.

The architectural ambition of this scheme is to create more than just accommodation—it is a living, breathing hub of innovation where students, businesses, and industries come together. The collaboration with the university, local planners, and businesses is key to ensuring the scheme reflects Nottingham's evolving urban fabric, positioning it as an exemplary model of integrated, practice-based learning environments.

This new assisted living development in Nottingham provides specialist housing for vulnerable individuals, addressing the care sector's need for high-quality residential properties tailored to a variety of needs, from mental health support to physical disabilities.

The design promotes social integration while maintaining privacy through self-contained accommodation. To foster community interaction, the development includes well-designed amenity spaces alongside dedicated staff areas, ensuring residents have access to support at all times.

A fabric-first approach was adopted to ensure long-term cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The latest multifoil insulation layers were integrated throughout the building, boosting energy efficiency and minimizing operational costs.

Thurgaton Eco Homes is a sustainable new-build development scheme set on the site of a former farm, where disused agricultural sheds are being dismantled to rewild the land and reconnect two local conservation areas. In place of the old barns, two luxury homes will be constructed with a fabric-first approach, designed to sit harmoniously within the natural landscape.

Drawing from the local vernacular, the homes will incorporate buff stonework and materials reclaimed from the original barns, blending sustainability with traditional aesthetics. The development emphasizes sustainable principles, including flood risk design, on site natural energy generation and wildlife conservation, to ensure the homes respect and enhance their greenbelt surroundings.

This project embodies a forward-thinking approach to adaptive reuse and regeneration, transforming a former brownfield site into sustainable family homes that are deeply connected to nature. By fusing luxury living with environmental stewardship, Thurgaton Eco Homes sets a new standard for creating harmonious, nature-integrated housing for future generations.

East Court is a central London residential building that underwent extensive regeneration to create luxury student living and associated workspaces. ARC Design Studio collaborated closely with other consultants providing design management on behalf of the principle contractor and delivering the bespoke joinery design for all interior areas.

The design focused on crafting a range of premium amenity spaces, including lounges, bars, cinemas and creative coworking areas, serving both students and the public. Natural materials were prioritized wherever possible, enhancing the sense of warmth and quality throughout the interiors. One of the standout features is the bespoke timber grid partition system installed in the building’s double-height atrium. This framing system broke down the overly large atrium to create an eclectic mix of intimate and cosy workspaces that are more conducive to creativity.

Acting as Design Manager, ARC oversaw the project from concept to completion and ensuring that all finishes and details were delivered in line with the original vision. By focusing on the seamless integration of functionality and luxury, East Court now offers a blend of comfortable, creative spaces that reflect the unique needs of its residents while creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Finley House, a landmark project by RIBA Architects ARC Design Studio, is a contemporary Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development located at the iconic BBC Roundabout, a pivotal gateway to Nottingham's city center. Constructed on the site of a former car park, this development breathes new life into the area, contributing to Nottingham’s ongoing urban regeneration.

The architectural composition of Finley House is both modern and respectful of its surroundings. The ground floor features a robust stone plinth, grounding the building with a strong, tactile presence, while the upper floors are defined by intricate brick detailing, connecting the design to the local vernacular. The combination of these materials provides a balanced interplay between tradition and modernity, aligning with the heritage context of the area while offering a forward-thinking aesthetic.

The building incorporates vibrant spaces such as a café, bar, cinema, and a unique karaoke space, creating a dynamic environment that fosters community and interaction amongst residents.

The development is more than just accommodation; it reflects a carefully considered approach to urban regeneration. By transforming a once underutilized car park into a vibrant, mixed-use space, Finley House enhances the urban fabric of Nottingham and contributes to the city’s large-scale residential growth.

This development comprises five, luxury, detached homes, thoughtfully positioned at the edge of the greenbelt to maximize panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The site, previously occupied by several dilapidated agricultural sheds, has been meticulously cleared to make way for a collection of high-specification residences that merge contemporary design with the natural landscape.

Located in the idyllic hamlet of Barton-in-Fabis, South Nottinghamshire, this project represents sensitive, context-driven architecture. Unlike many modern housing developments that prioritize density over quality, these homes are generously spaced, respecting both the rural environment and the unique characteristics of the site. Each residence is designed with careful consideration of scale, proportion, and materiality, ensuring harmony with the local vernacular while providing modern, luxurious living spaces.

The combination of setting, architectural design, and spacious layouts elevates these properties beyond standard residential developments, offering an unparalleled quality of life for families looking to live and work within Nottingham whilst maintaining a connection to the surrounding countryside.

The Halldale Quarry Community, is an exciting mixed-use development transforming a 60+ acre former limestone quarry into an extensive residential community with mixed use community facilities and infrastructure. The site, which has been inactive for over 25 years, will house 220 contemporary homes, alongside 60,000 square feet of commercial space, including cafes, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.

The approved masterplan features a combination of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes, all designed with a fabric first approach alongside sustainable features such as electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps, and solar panels. The project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable community on the edge of the Peak District, offering immersive countryside living with easy access to Matlock and surrounding areas.

The complex nature of the natural landscape has positively influenced the design process with a number of bespoke dwellings being built directly into the cliff face to maximise space and utilise geothermal energy to sustainably heat each space.

The Church of God is a long-established community church located in Wollaton, Nottingham. The redevelopment project involved the demolition of parts of the existing structure and the extension of the building to create a brand-new, modern church designed to serve the local community for generations to come.

The new design was carefully crafted to support the diverse range of community activities that take place within the church. It features two large, pitched-roof hall elements extending toward the rear of the site. These double-height spaces create a sense of openness and grandeur, allowing natural light and fresh air to flood the interiors, enhancing the atmosphere of the space.

To ensure the new building remains cost-effective and accessible for the community, a fabric-first approach was employed. This included integrating the latest multifoil insulation layers throughout the structure, promoting energy efficiency and reducing long-term running costs.

Spondon Street in Sherwood, Nottingham, is a residential regeneration site which is focussed on remediating a former car park and creating a vibrant new family housing community. The development has been carefully deisgn to combine the Victorian vernacular with modern features including electric boilers and solar panels.

This project addresses the local demand for family homes and apartments, offering 12 dwelling houses and 22 apartments for young professionals in Sherwood, a well-established community in Nottingham.

Phase 1 included the construction of a new library, supermarket, and café, creating a community hub at the site’s entrance. These additions can be viewed in our Sherwood Library portfolio section.

Our masterplan prioritised the infrastructure needed for the growing community before starting the residential construction. The new supermarket is now open, and the homes are scheduled for completion by Summer 2024. This development will not only provide much-needed family housing but also contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Sherwood by ensuring young professionals have the ability to get onto the property ladder locally.

Wincote is a new-build luxury residential dwelling located in the heart of the Oxfordshire greenbelt. Drawing inspiration from the local rural farm buildings, the design carefully balances traditional and contemporary architectural elements to create a unique, timeless home. The interior showcases stunning feature oak trusses, lending a sense of grandeur and warmth to the expansive living spaces.

The design honours the architectural heritage of the area by employing vernacular materials, including stonework and timber, but built to modern standards and construction techniques. A fabric-first approach was integral to the design, ensuring that the building maximizes heat retention, contributing to its energy efficiency. Alongside this, the project incorporates a variety of on-site natural energy provisions, such as renewable energy systems, further enhancing the home’s sustainability. These measures ensure that Wincote is not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible, aligning with contemporary standards for sustainable living.

This project by RIBA Architects ARC Design Studio exemplifies the fusion of heritage-led design and modern innovation, creating a home that is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its environmental approach.

The Sherwood Library project is a major regeneration initiative in Nottingham, led by Nottingham City Council to replace the outdated library with a new flagship building, serving the community with both a library and a supermarket. ARC Design Studio supported the developer in winning the project through a competitive tender process, which included redeveloping 1.4 acres of former council land within Sherwood. ARC has since guided the project through all RIBA work stages, providing design, planning, technical services, and on-site support during construction.

The building follows a fabric-first approach, designed to operate on 100% renewable energy through solar panels and air source heat pumps. ARC collaborated closely with Nottingham City Council, engaging local councillors, the public, and stakeholders throughout the design and planning phases.

The library was completed in late 2023, with the interior fit-out scheduled for 2024. The residential component of the masterplan has been approved and is currently under construction.

The Old Pump House is a good example of adaptive reuse. Constructed in the Victorian era, the building has had a long history serving the local community as an aquifer before becoming redundant. We felt that the most sensitive approach to this former Victorian structure was to tastefully convert the space into a bespoke family dwelling utilising as many of the original features as possible. By repurposing the building in this way, we were able to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction process whilst preserving the history of the site for generations to come.

The original building had been adapted over years of misuse with original windows damaged or removed along with the original roof structure. Our intervention restored all of the original features, weaving in contemporary features and on site energy generation to create a sustainable family dwelling.

Taking a fabric-first approach, the design incorporated solar panels, electric boilers, underfloor heating, and drainage attenuation to ensure a sustainable, energy-efficient home that harmonises with its greenbelt setting. This sensitive intervention preserves the heritage of the site for future generations while creating a modern, sustainable living space

The Ropewalk is a proposed mixed-use residential development in Nottingham’s Ropewalk Conservation area, situated next to the historic Canning Circus junction. The project will carefully restore and re-purpose part of the original building façade, preserving the site’s original stonework while incorporating a modern material palette.

Beneath the site lies an extensive cave network, which will be transformed into a distinctive ground-floor bar and hospitality venue. The rest of the development will be divided between short-stay accommodation and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), supporting local tourism and nearby educational institutions.

When revitalizing disused urban spaces, especially in city centers, it is essential to take a diverse and thoughtful approach. This ensures that projects not only enhance the existing community but also accommodate increasing occupancy demands. By densifying accommodation in city centers, we promote economic sustainability, create vibrant 24-hour activity, and foster connections between people’s work, life, and leisure. This, in turn, encourages chance encounters and strengthens social integration.

The Queens Drive PBSA scheme in Nottingham is a mixed-use development designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Strategically located near the University of Nottingham's new city centre campus this proposal fosters a deep integration of student life with the professional world, supporting the university’s focus on Research, AI, Data Science, and FinTech.

Comprising 717 student beds and 2,627 square meters of commercial space, the development is arranged around a central landscaped courtyard, creating an active, permeable environment that encourages interaction between students, professionals, and the wider community. The three blocks, with retail and commercial spaces at ground level and residential units above, have been carefully designed to provide a mix of live/work spaces where students can engage directly with industry through coworking areas and digital labs. These facilities are envisioned to support real-time collaboration with local businesses, enabling students to gain practical, hands-on experience within their fields of study.

The design actively promotes placemaking, creating a landmark structure that both anchors the site and attracts activity. The adjacent tram stop forms a key node, connecting the development with the main Nottingham campus and wider city, ensuring the scheme feels both connected and accessible. The building’s ground floor is lined with active frontages, fostering public interaction and offering a welcoming, vibrant interface between private and public realms. By interweaving high-quality landscaping with commercial elements, the proposal supports public activity while encouraging a sense of community.

The architectural ambition of this scheme is to create more than just accommodation—it is a living, breathing hub of innovation where students, businesses, and industries come together. The collaboration with the university, local planners, and businesses is key to ensuring the scheme reflects Nottingham's evolving urban fabric, positioning it as an exemplary model of integrated, practice-based learning environments.

This new assisted living development in Nottingham provides specialist housing for vulnerable individuals, addressing the care sector's need for high-quality residential properties tailored to a variety of needs, from mental health support to physical disabilities.

The design promotes social integration while maintaining privacy through self-contained accommodation. To foster community interaction, the development includes well-designed amenity spaces alongside dedicated staff areas, ensuring residents have access to support at all times.

A fabric-first approach was adopted to ensure long-term cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The latest multifoil insulation layers were integrated throughout the building, boosting energy efficiency and minimizing operational costs.

Thurgaton Eco Homes is a sustainable new-build development scheme set on the site of a former farm, where disused agricultural sheds are being dismantled to rewild the land and reconnect two local conservation areas. In place of the old barns, two luxury homes will be constructed with a fabric-first approach, designed to sit harmoniously within the natural landscape.

Drawing from the local vernacular, the homes will incorporate buff stonework and materials reclaimed from the original barns, blending sustainability with traditional aesthetics. The development emphasizes sustainable principles, including flood risk design, on site natural energy generation and wildlife conservation, to ensure the homes respect and enhance their greenbelt surroundings.

This project embodies a forward-thinking approach to adaptive reuse and regeneration, transforming a former brownfield site into sustainable family homes that are deeply connected to nature. By fusing luxury living with environmental stewardship, Thurgaton Eco Homes sets a new standard for creating harmonious, nature-integrated housing for future generations.

East Court is a central London residential building that underwent extensive regeneration to create luxury student living and associated workspaces. ARC Design Studio collaborated closely with other consultants providing design management on behalf of the principle contractor and delivering the bespoke joinery design for all interior areas.

The design focused on crafting a range of premium amenity spaces, including lounges, bars, cinemas and creative coworking areas, serving both students and the public. Natural materials were prioritized wherever possible, enhancing the sense of warmth and quality throughout the interiors. One of the standout features is the bespoke timber grid partition system installed in the building’s double-height atrium. This framing system broke down the overly large atrium to create an eclectic mix of intimate and cosy workspaces that are more conducive to creativity.

Acting as Design Manager, ARC oversaw the project from concept to completion and ensuring that all finishes and details were delivered in line with the original vision. By focusing on the seamless integration of functionality and luxury, East Court now offers a blend of comfortable, creative spaces that reflect the unique needs of its residents while creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.