Published on:

30 September 2026

Updated on:

05 October 2026

Read time:

Tom Parsons

Managing Director

OP has completed the transformation of the ground floor reception and communal areas at One Penrhyn in Kingston for Swiss Life Asset Managers, creating a vibrant 3,000 sq ft student destination designed around connection, flexibility and belonging.

Located just four minutes’ walk from Kingston University, the seven-week refurbishment has transformed a previously dark and compartmentalised common room into an open, welcoming environment where residents can study, relax, meet and socialise. With approximately 80% of residents coming from overseas, creating an inclusive home-from-home that could help students connect and feel part of a community was central to the brief.

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OP opened up the common room and created three complementary zones: Relax, Connect and Watch. A quieter area with acoustic ceiling treatments and a large shared table supports study and group projects, while the central teapoint provides a café-style setting with a bespoke refreshment area. The entertainment zone features a large screen and gaming console for movie nights, gaming and social events.

Flexibility is built into the design, with modular sofas that can be moved and regrouped and bespoke storage housing 12 pull-out stools for larger gatherings. This gives students greater ownership over the space and allows it to adapt throughout the day. Running through the scheme is a continuous feature rope light, developed as a visual representation of connection and community. During evening events, the main lighting can be reduced and the softer feature light used to create a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere.

The concept continues through the building’s graphics and arrival experience, with new external imagery, signage and lighting strengthening One Penrhyn’s street presence. A community display area gives residents somewhere to share artwork, photographs, notices and upcoming events, helping the space evolve with the people using it. Natural finishes and muted base tones provide a calm backdrop, with brighter colour introduced through artwork, accessories and selected furniture.

The completed scheme brings a previously underused common room back to life as a flexible and comfortable student destination. By combining spaces for quiet focus with opportunities to socialise, play and gather, One Penrhyn now provides an environment where students can spend time together and build relationships naturally.

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Meet the Author

Tom is an experienced, focused leader who takes pride in motivating his team to deliver the best results. Having worked in the industry for over 15 years, he has a keen insight as to the business needs of the client and what it will take for a project to successfully meet those needs.