Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operators Collegiate UK and Now Student Living have announced plans to integrate an innovative new parcel room design concept into one of their properties.
The concept, which was designed by Ilias Gkoumas, from the University of Portsmouth, won top prize in a competition organised by Parcel SafePlace and LOFT to explore how design innovation can elevate the visual appeal of parcel rooms in PBSA schemes.
Gkoumas’ design, which will also be showcased in LOFT’s flagship showroom, draws inspiration from the De Stijl art movement and Mondrian’s geometric abstraction. Sustainability is a core feature, with a durable, recyclable steel frame finished in eco-friendly, non-toxic paint and motion-sensor LED lighting to improve energy efficiency.
Neil Burton, managing director at Collegiate UK, said: “Parcel rooms are crucial yet often overlooked aspect of student accommodation and this competition has had a substantial impact on our design process as we look to integrate within our portfolio. The students have demonstrated that combining style, sustainability, and functionality we can create engaging environments that enhance resident experience and align with the high standards of modern PBSA.”
Paul Watson, managing director at Now Student Living, added: “Operators and developers should view parcel rooms as resident-facing amenities that contribute to the overall design aesthetic of a building. The winning design successfully balances aesthetics, usability, and sustainability.”
Dustin Fjeld, CEO and founder of Parcel SafePlace, said: “Residents engage with parcel rooms frequently, and this competition has demonstrated the opportunity to enhance these spaces by integrating aesthetics alongside operational efficiency. At Parcel SafePlace, we collaborate with operators to ensure seamless functionality, and this initiative has highlighted how design can further elevate the resident experience. We encourage investors and developers to align amenity budgets with evolving resident expectations, creating core spaces that are both highly functional and visually inspiring.”
Laura Lian Clarke, business development director at LOFT, added: “This challenge provided students with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent. The winning design demonstrates that a parcel room can be more than just a functional space, it can be a seamless extension of the wider living space, enhancing the overall student experience. At LOFT, we are constantly looking into how we can enhance the resident experience through innovative design, and we are excited to host this fantastic winning entry in our showroom.”
