Cygnet Wharf Student Accommodation

Location

Lincoln

Main contractor

Bowmer & Kirkland

Architects

Church Lukas

Products

Argeton Terracotta Cladding

Facing Bricks

Overview

Cygnet Wharf Student Accommodation is a development that represents Lincoln’s growing academic reputation and helps to enhance the beauty of its ever-evolving cityscape. Designed by Church Lukas Architects and managed by Bowmer Kirkland for The University of Lincoln, this large-scale development consists of 442 bedrooms in 44 cluster flats, across three separate buildings. Designed to offer a traditional ‘halls of residence experience’ in a modern environment, Cygnet Wharf showcases the university’s commitment to maintaining and developing state-of-the-art facilities which offer an inspiring environment for teaching, learning and research.

Located on the University of Lincoln’s striking city centre campus, many of the 442 bedrooms over-look the picturesque Brayford Pool waterfront, offering easy access to all university buildings and the city centre amenities. These three purpose-built blocks address the growing demand for student accommodation spaces, freeing up inner city housing for private residents, while preserving access for water users, pedestrians and drivers in the busy area. Winner of the Construction Project of the Year award at the East Midlands Property Dinner 2018, Cygnet Wharf is part of a continuing investment project for the university. With additional accommodation rising up in the last few years and new facility projects underway, Cygnet Wharf remains a high-quality contribution to the budding skyline.

Challenge

Though the campus boasts a scenic waterfront view, its tight waterside location meant the development process would cause significant disruption to the area and its inhabitants. A strict programme and budget were therefore set from the start, with the whole project team working together closely to achieve an efficient solution. This included the use of precast concrete panels to construct the buildings, including the interior walls, saving considerable time on-site and preventing unnecessary interruption.

In accordance with new guidelines, a review of all materials used in the buildings under construction at the time took place. It was confirmed that alongside the replacement composite rainscreen, the terracotta tiles and facing brick used on the three development buildings satisfied the change in regulations. The Argeton terracotta rainscreen is supported by BBA certification which states that “the ceramic tiles, support rails, clamps and clips are classified as ‘non-combustible’ in accordance with national Building Regulations”.

Project Completion

With two thirds of the Cygnet Wharf project being built using traditional brickwork, the development successfully utilises timeless clay materials to harmonise with the historic town of Lincoln. In line with the popular use of red brick throughout the city, Church Lukas Architects specified Taylor Maxwell’s Argeton terracotta cladding in a natural red coloured tile for the facade of the tallest building.

Thanks to the durable characteristics of clay, Argeton terracotta cladding is a maintenance-free system that resists frost, scratches and colour fade, making it an easy-care solution for a busy university site. The large format tiles also add a contemporary element to the project, reflecting the progression and growth of the university, whilst complementing many of the key developments across Lincoln’s waterside.

To learn more about the Argeton terracotta rainscreen, click here.