The Lawns

The Lawns is a residential complex in Cottingham comprising seven buildings with angled walls, heavy brick parapets, and timber windows positioned around central green areas. The 40-acre site features these structures arranged to frame outdoor spaces and pedestrian pathways between them.

The complex was built between 1962 and 1968 by architects Gillespie, Kidd and Coia as a residential project for university students. It received Grade II listed status in 1993, recognizing its architectural importance.

The residence halls transformed student living by introducing communal spaces and organized blocks that encouraged social interaction among university students.

The site has been closed since 2019 and is not open for public visits as future development plans are being considered. You can view the grounds from surrounding paths, but access to the buildings themselves is not available.

Each residential block contained specific configurations of nine students per floor, with most rooms featuring individual balconies overlooking landscaped grounds.

Location: Cottingham

GPS coordinates: 53.78620,-0.42350

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27