Acorn Aluminium has been awarded the contract for windows and curtain walling on McLaren Property’s £62million student accommodation scheme in the centre of Leeds.
Designed by architects Cartwright Pickard and delivered by main contractor Robertson Construction, work started on the 473-bed student scheme at the City’s Leonardo Budlings in August last year [2021].
Acorn Aluminium has been appointed to design, manufacture and install, more than 6,000m2 of curtain walling and windows to the scheme, with an expectation to start on site from March 2022.
Paul Stevens, Commercial Director, Acorn Aluminium, said: “It’s a big project in a very high-profile setting, which in addition to the capability to manage volume, requires some very specific specialisms on site.
“We’re one of a handful of architectural aluminium specialists who can operate at scale but also retain a very skilled design and installation team, which means we can operate at volume but also have the skills inhouse to get the job fitted.
“We’re delighted to be part of the project team.”
The scheme involves the conversion of the city’s Grade II listed Victorian print works, Leonardo Buildings and Thoresby House, in addition to the conversion of a connected 1990s extension to the building, built to accommodate Leeds City Council’s Housing Department.
Acorn Aluminium will supply fully capped curtain walling to the scheme in Senior Architectural Systems flexible and highly energy efficient SF52 curtain walling system and 466 tilt-and-turn windows, plus barrier loaded and pre-tested perforated panel vents, to the six-storey scheme.
In addition to an advanced level of thermal performance and solar control, the glass specification also includes a high level of acoustic control with a 42RW+CTR rating, significantly reducing traffic noise.
“The student accommodation sector continues to grow, driven by the shifting expectations of students, who are now committing big sums of money to their education”, Paul said.
“With a series of projects already under our belt and wit new programmes coming online, we have a very good pedigree in supporting student schemes, as well as the education sector more widely”, he concluded.
Construction is due for completion by August 2023 in time for the 2023/2024 academic year.