The brief

St Vincent’s is a modern, six-storey student accommodation block, which was delivered against a very challenging design brief. The design by HCD Architects required a system that had to be flexible enough to accommodate a stepped feature to the masonry façade for 4000m2 of wall area. Aliva UK’s detailing provided a solution using two thicknesses of slips to create a stepping and provide the architects with the design intent. Programme restriction meant the solution had to allow installation of façade finishes off the critical path with the internal works progressing concurrently. Aliva UK also designed and supplied a package of aluminium rainscreen panelling, which was coordinated as part of the overall supply scope. Delivery of the works and the chosen system had to take into account the proximity of neighbouring 19^th Century St Vincent’s Church, which is Grade II listed and has been fully refurbished as a communal student facility within the overall site development.

What we did

The rainscreen cladding coordinated through Aliva’s in-house design team, created a three-colour powder coated finish to enhance and contrast with the traditional looking brick work. The system allowed for shorter programme times to ensure the building would be ready for its first intake of students in September 2019. It also allowed for a reduction in overall costs over a traditionally constructed building, whilst providing the look and finish required by the architect and town planners.

What makes it special

This project was highly commended in the Architectural Design category at the 2019 INCA (Insulated Render and Cladding Association) Awards. The judges were particularly impressed because they felt that it set a good example for the future of EWI. They also recognised the challenges that can occur when working so closely to a listed building.