The Astley, Manchester

Location

Manchester

Main contractor

Bardsley Construction

Architects

Tim Groom Architects

Products

Facing Bricks

Special Shaped Brick

Overview

The Astley is a mixed-use development located in Manchester’s trendy neighbourhood, Northern Quarter. The private rent development was designed by Tim Groom Architects and managed by Bardsley Construction for client partnership Mulbury City and M&G Real Estate. The site was once home to the Astley Arms public house, where remains and artefacts were discovered during the demolition and excavation and was the inspiration for the name given to the development.

Taylor Maxwell worked with architects and main contractors to specify and supply the buff facing bricks and brick specials used across the building’s facade. The 14-storey building was designed to provide the area with a new modern living space both internally and externally.

Concept to completion

Tim Groom Architects created a design concept based on one of the previous buildings that occupied the site. It inspired the contemporary building structure which is formed of six blocks of varying heights. This creates a dynamic facade design that helps the building blend with its surroundings and the clearly defined street pattern.

Facing bricks were selected as the main facade material thanks to their aesthetic flexibility and their long life cycle. The architects and contractors selected a textured buff brick, with the aim to create an eye-catching facade with warm earthy tones, to generate a homely feel for future residents. The facing bricks were used in combination with golden metallic features including window reveals and Juliet balconies, defining the overall character of the building.

The £18m development has provided the area with 135 private rented apartments and three commercial units. The apartments available range from 430sq ft studios to 900sq ft three-bedroom units, with private on-site residents’ lounge and rooftop terrace on the seventh floor, where residents and visitors can enjoy views over the city and of the Peak District.