TriBeKa Leeds | Finalist at the Yorkshire Property Awards and National Construction Excellence Awards

Delighted that TriBeKa Leeds, DLA Architecture’s tallest building to date, is a finalist at the Yorkshire Property Awards and National Construction Excellence Awards. This 20-storey, 514-bed student tower stands as a striking new landmark in Leeds’ Civic Quarter, redefining blended living with a strong emphasis on sustainability, design quality, and community.

Developed by Metropolitan & District Securities, funded by M&G Real Estate, and built by McAleer & Rushe, TriBeKa is operated by Prestige Student Living and opened its doors in September 2024. It replaces the former Leeds Technology Campus, carefully transitioning from 6 to 20 storeys to respect heritage and conservation areas while enhancing the city’s evolving skyline.

Designed and delivered by DLA as both architect and interior designer, TriBeKa exemplifies a new model of blended living — an emerging residential concept that merges the best aspects of student accommodation, co-living, and build-to-rent. Located on Cookridge Street just minutes from the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, it delivers high-quality en-suite rooms and studios with exceptional communal spaces. Craig Cook, Associate Director at DLA, says,

“Sustainability was a key driver of this project, shaping decisions from early design through to operation,”

Among the first residential buildings in Leeds to connect to the Leeds District Heating System, TriBeKa uses low-carbon heat from the city’s Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF). Rooftop solar panels, passive design strategies, and a robust pre-cast concrete façade with high thermal mass further reduce energy demand and support fire safety.

“Material selection was key to balancing aesthetics, sustainability, and programme efficiency. A pre-cast concrete panel façade system was chosen to streamline the construction programme, with two-storey-height panels reducing crane hook time. The increased thermal mass of this envelope enhances energy efficiency, provides a robust response to fire concerns, whilst engaging positively with the civic context of the site location.”

Inside, DLA’s interior design pairs timber finishes, tactile materials, and contemporary detailing to create inviting, lifestyle-focused environments that encourage both study and social interaction. Stephanie Philips, Architect at DLA, notes,

“Our goal with TriBeKa was to create a contemporary living environment that places students at the heart of Leeds City Centre while thoughtfully responding to its location on the edge of the civic quarter. The design balances modernity with a sense of place, providing dynamic spaces for both living and socialising. With a range of carefully designed amenity spaces, the building fosters a strong sense of community, making it more than just a place to live — it’s a place to connect.”

Residents enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a fully equipped gym, private and group study lounges, a games room, coffee lounge, communal spaces, and a rooftop sky terrace with panoramic city views. High-speed Wi-Fi, secure bike storage, on-site laundry, and dedicated maintenance support round out a modern, connected living experience.

TriBeKa stands not only as a milestone in DLA’s extensive portfolio of over 50 Leeds city centre projects, but also as a testament to the future of sustainable, community-focused student living.

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