Saunders were engaged to assist on the potential refurbishment of many areas within the Charter House hostel in Watford. The ten storey facility located in Watford town centre was in need of significant improvement to both the communal areas and the dormitories located in the upper floors.

In addition to that, a programme of fabric upgrades were also investigated to improve the buildings energy performance and to complement the internal refurbishments. On the upper floors, the shared dorms and bathrooms were to be replaced with ensuite rooms, whilst the lower floors were to be refurbished with individual bedsits.

The work reinforced the pathway through the hostel programme from ‘transitional’ and ‘step down’ to more independent ‘move on’ units, including the use of colour to reinforce legability throughout.

A comprehensive refurbishment of the communal spaces was also proposed, from new kitchen and dining spaces to lounge and study rooms.

The Stage 4 tender information was developed for the first phase on the refurbishment programme in readiness for the funding to be made available.