Technal specified for Newcastle student living development

Technal is a part of the Hydro Group, a world leader in the building systems sector.

The ￡18.4m development is located in the east side of Newcastle city centre, a regeneration site previously occupied by light industrial buildings, a brick-built office and a warehouse.

Comprising three blocks of student accommodation extending to seven storeys at Stoddart Street to the East, the scheme steps down to four storeys at Clarence Street to the West.

Designed by Newcastle-based xsitearchitecture, and developed and constructed by BAM, the building features a refined palette of external materials to animate the façade. These include brick, aluminium, bronze coloured cladding and standing seam, in a range of natural colours.

Punctuating the visual mass of the three blocks, Technal’s FY Visible 65mm windows make a significant aesthetic impact. Installed in a vertical configuration to contrast with the cladding’s horizontal line, side hung open out windows were mainly used across the project, with some top hung open out vents also featured – all fitted with stylish standard Technal-exclusive hardware including locking handles and releasable restrictors.

To achieve optimum U-value in this instance, approximately 70% of the windows on the building included spandrel glass, a ceramic toughened glass with foil-backed insulation to surface 4 of the unit. Each configuration was carefully designed to avoid disrupting outward views.

At ground floor level to ensure maximum security, any fixed light or fixed light with vent windows had to be Secured by Design and, as a result, were fitted with security clips. Also, due to their size, some corner windows high up on the building used reinforced mullions.

Explaining why Technal’s FY 65 aluminium window is such a popular choice for student living projects like this, National Specification Manager at Technal, Mark Hargreaves, said: “This is one of Technal’s leading window ranges and offers exceptional security, thermal, acoustic and weather performance. Available in two distinct styles, visible opening and concealed vent, as along with numerous configurations, the range ensures visually consistent window types across a single building.