Aliva UK has honed stunning lightweight stone finishes for two student accommodation blocks set in the imposing architectural heritage of Scotland’s two major cities.
Local planning regulations in Edinburgh and Glasgow required Aliva, the UK leader in façades and interior finishes, to deliver stone cladding that harmonised with the existing traditional architecture. The company responded with traditionally-detailed facades using its state-of-the-art Aliva Air lightweight solution.
For the 10-storey new-build West Village on Beith Street in Glasgow, architects Falconer Chester Hall specified a curved façade using 1000sqm of red sandstone sourced from a local quarry. The façade incorporates double soffits and a bespoke fan-shaped radiused facade.
For Elliot House in Edinburgh, architect’s 3D Reid commissioned Aliva to craft a 1000sqm buff sandstone finish for the £6.6m conversion of a six-storey office block on the corner of Hillside Crescent and Brunswick Street. Detailing on the façade included reveal panels into the windows and monolithic corners to add depth and historical context.
James Ormerod, MD Aliva UK, said: “For both projects, the architects wanted a luxurious, contemporary façade that was suitable for modern lightweight construction methods, while paying homage to the majestic heritage of these great cities. Aliva Air was perfect for the job. We are particularly pleased to have sourced the stone for both projects from British quarries, contributing to the eco-credentials of these buildings.”
Aliva Air comprises a 10mm panel of natural stone veneer (or ceramic or glass) with a composite panel and a stainless steel backing. The result is a lightweight cladding solution with the look and feel of solid stone, enabling Aliva to offer larger format modules of up to 4.5m x 1.5m. The company works with key quarries around the world to source limestone, sandstone, granite and marble.