Unsworth Park

Main contractor

Vinci Construction

Sub contractor

Keith Walton Brickwork

Architects

MHA Architects

Products

Facing Bricks

Overview

Unsworth Park is a student accommodation for undergraduates at the University of Manchester and forms part of Phase 1 of the Fallowfield Campus regeneration masterplan. The development features a cluster of nine to ten-bedroom flats and townhouses across eight new blocks, which now provide the university with an additional 1,100 bedrooms.

The campus, adjacent to the sports centre and Fallowfield's bustling shops and restaurants, offers a vibrant environment for students. Taylor Maxwell worked with MHA Architects to specify the cream facing bricks used across the buildings’ facade. Alongside main contractors Vinci Construction, the bricks were supplied and installed on the development by sub-contractors Keith Walton Brickwork.

The project has garnered recognition, winning the North England ‘Best Student Accommodation’ Design Award in 2020.

Concept

The overall masterplan aimed to revitalise the area through the demolition of the existing halls of residence and the erection of new contemporary buildings. The two to six-storey new builds contain a new student residence, wardens’ accommodation, retail space and a doctor’s surgery.

The quality of the flats and campus facilities play a crucial role in attracting students, making the design and construction process pivotal. When designing the development, the architects also paid close attention to the local vernacular. The site is surrounded by residential properties and educational institutions, featuring a mix of sizes and architectural styles with predominantly red and beige brick elevations. The architects and main contractor prioritised an economical yet aesthetically pleasing solution, resulting in low-rise apartment buildings with traditional brick exteriors.

A textured cream facing brick was chosen to provide a cohesive and modern appearance, whilst delivering a homely yet premium feel. Double-stacked soldier courses above the windows and projecting headers were also used in combination with anthracite-coloured cladding to create visual interest. The new development blends seamlessly with the existing architectural vernacular, maintaining the area's aesthetic, whilst introducing modern elements.

Completion

The new accommodation features single rooms with en-suite facilities, dedicated study areas, shared living and dining spaces, bike storage and landscaped outdoor spaces. Despite the project's scale and logistical challenges, the brickwork package was completed on schedule, and the entire project was handed over in time for the new academic year. The project was successfully delivered and went on to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Find out more about our range of facing bricks here.