Dunelm House

Dunelm House is a brutalist university building positioned along the River Wear with five levels and angular concrete forms. The structure features multiple terraces connected by a central staircase that runs through the entire height of the building.

The building was designed in 1966 by Architects Co-Partnership under the supervision of engineer Sir Ove Arup. It was created during a period of university expansion and is now registered as a Grade II listed structure.

The building served as a hub for musicians and artists during the late 1960s and remains connected to that creative period. Visitors today can sense this artistic legacy woven into the spaces, though it is not immediately obvious to those walking through.

The internal staircase connects all levels and serves as a main navigation spine, though the design takes some time to understand fully. Level A has group study rooms and Level B includes Kingsgate, where eating is permitted.

A straight-line staircase runs through all levels inside the building, creating an interior street-like effect within the concrete structure. This unusual design choice is one of the most striking features but often goes unnoticed by casual visitors.

Location: County Durham

Architectural style: brutalism

Address: Durham Students Union, Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AN

GPS coordinates: 54.77331,-1.57182

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07