丨英国埃克塞特丨Jasper Sanders + Partners,Manson

The Gorge

The Gorge

Jasper Sanders + Partners, in collaboration with architects Manson, have delivered a state-of-the-art co-living scheme for Watkin Jones - the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, with a focus on the build to rent, student accommodation and affordable housing sectors. Located in the historic city of Exeter, The Gorge is a striking new-build development managed by Fresh.

With extensive experience in city-centre BTR and PBSA projects, the design teams - Manchester-based interior design studio Jasper Sanders + Partners and Edinburgh-based Manson - worked in close collaboration to realise the vision for this dynamic new residential community.

At the heart of The Gorge is a versatile ground-floor amenity offering, designed by Jasper Sanders + Partners to cater to professionals. The scheme features a welcoming entrance and concierge, lounges designed for both work and relaxation, as well as a fully equipped fitness suite. Central to the communal experience is the co-living kitchen, carefully conceived to foster a strong sense of community - encouraging residents to cook, eat, and socialise together outside of their private studio apartments. This space, defined by generous glazing, serves as a focal point of the ground floor, maximising daylight and offering views onto the resident courtyard and outdoor terrace.

Jasper Sanders + Partners also led the scheme’s brand strategy, including the choice of name, drawing inspiration from the nearby Devonshire countryside, with its heathlands, valleys and dramatic coastlines. The interior concept extends this narrative through a rich material palette - earthy terracotta tones and calming blues subtly defining different spaces and zoning within the open-plan amenity areas. A key visual element is the use of local contour maps, which add layers of pattern and texture to both interior and exterior elements, creating a cohesive design language. This is further enriched by a series of playful icons that not only represent the function of each space but offer intuitive wayfinding for an international resident base.

The entrance area features a bespoke reception desk finished in Egger laminate, with ‘The Gorge’ marque illuminated on the rear wall, creating a strong brand presence upon arrival. Adjacent to this, the open-plan lounge is designed to foster socialisation and engagement among residents. The modular Symbol seating collection by NaughtOne echoes the fluidity of curved landscapes while ensuring functionality through its adaptable design.

A cohesive lighting approach is achieved with pendants and wall-mounted fixtures by Flos, strategically highlighting key areas such as the coffee station to enhance zoning and visual interest. Serving as a backdrop to the open-plan amenity spaces, the building’s core is wrapped in a bespoke wallpaper, designed by the Jasper Sanders + Partners team, featuring layered earth tones, adding both a tactile quality and a clear sense of spatial orientation within the building.

The connection between interior and exterior is reinforced via the use of Forbo flooring, which seamlessly extends across key circulation routes. Additionally, glazed manifestations and carefully placed planting along the window edge of the games lounge frame a striking view upon arrival, further enriching the spatial experience.

The project’s 133 studio apartments feature an innovative modular furniture system, designed to accommodate a range of room sizes, configurations, and resident needs—ensuring flexibility and comfort within the living spaces.

"The scheme was developed in the wake of Covid-19, when experiences of isolation reinforced the importance of community," explains Jasper Sanders, Founder and Director.

"This deeply influenced our design approach, with a focus on creating versatile settings that support both social interaction and independent living. Thoughtful material choices further enhance the sense of comfort and reassurance for residents."

As demand for affordable, high-quality urban living continues to rise, The Gorge exemplifies a modern co-living experience - one that fosters connection, embraces functionality, and responds meaningfully to its Exeter context.

Status: Built

Location: Exeter, GB

Firm Role: Interior Designer

Additional Credits: Client | Watkin Jones

Management / Operator | Fresh

Interior Designer | Jasper Sanders + Partners

Architect | Manson (Edinburgh)

Contractor | Watkin Jones

Photographer | Gunner Gu