Armada House

Project: Armada House
Units: 6 Studios, Commercial Unit & Gym (conversion of offices)
Location: Plymouth
Completion Date: August 2024
Role: Contractor

Exemplar Living undertook a pioneering transformation of Armada House—once a standard office building—into a dynamic mixed-use development featuring six luxury studio apartments, a sleek commercial unit, and a modern gym facility. Strategically located just footsteps from Plymouth University, this project stands at the intersection of urban renewal and student-centric living.
Securing planning permission through meticulous design proposals that respected the building’s context and local planning guidelines, the conversion was initiated under the banner of an inspired student-living concept—mirroring the quality seen in flagship properties like Aspire Student Living’s Armada House, renowned for its boutique studios, all-inclusive rent, and superior amenities as highlighted on the Aspire Student Living website aspirestudentliving.co.uk.
Work began in 2023, driven by a dual mandate: to preserve structural integrity while infusing the building with elevated standards of comfort and functionality. Accordingly, Exemplar managed a comprehensive package—including structural upgrades, moisture and damp remediation, and bespoke interior fit-out—executed with meticulous attention to detail and in full compliance with the agreed schedule and budget.
The result is a sophisticated serviced-apartment scheme that elegantly balances luxury and utility—each studio designed with generous layouts, contemporary finishes, and integrated amenities. The on-site gym and the added commercial unit enhance the offering, turning the building into a vibrant destination for residential and mixed-use excellence.
This project reinforces Exemplar Living’s reputation for delivering high-end conversions that revive underused structures, while offering top-tier, turnkey living spaces tailored to the needs of premium clients.
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds
High-end building contractors in Devon, specialising in refurbishments, luxury extensions, and custom new builds

“

At Aspire Student Living, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, design-led accommodation that enhances the student experience. Armada House in Plymouth was a key addition to our portfolio, and we partnering with Exemplar Living to deliver the project. Their team demonstrated a clear understanding of our brand standards and the level of quality we expect. The transformation of what was previously a tired office block into a vibrant, mixed-use development including six boutique studio apartments, a sleek commercial unit, and a fully equipped gym. Exemplar’s managed both the technical and aesthetic challenges of the conversion including structural improvements, moisture remediation, and a full bespoke interior fit-out. Importantly, the project was delivered on time and on budget for the student intake in September. We look forward to working with Exemplar Living again in the future.

Chloe Longhurst
Student Services Manager
Aspire Student Living