Birmingham City University City South Campus Expansion
Birmingham City University's City South Campus, located in Edgbaston, has undergone a significant expansion to enhance its educational facilities, particularly for the Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences. This development includes the construction of new buildings designed to provide state-of-the-art learning environments for students in health professions, nursing, midwifery, life sciences, and social work.
Project Overview
The expansion project aimed to accommodate the university's growing student population and to co-locate existing and newly formed schools within the Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences. The design of the new facilities emphasises a contemporary interpretation of traditional red brick architecture, harmonising with the local vernacular and architectural heritage of Birmingham.
Use of FastClad Brick Cladding System
A key feature for the architects was to create visually dynamic, stepped-in brick features that define the windows. FastClad was instrumental in achieving this. Fastclad was used on numerous recessed areas across the façade. FastClad’s adaptability allowed the project to incorporate their chosen brick type, making it indistinguishable from traditional handset brickwork. The system's versatility also enabled the creation of architecturally striking features, demonstrating its potential for enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. FastClad is a lightweight, BBA-certified brick slip system that offers the aesthetic appeal of traditional brickwork while providing the benefits of modern construction techniques.
Advantages of FastClad in the Project
Aesthetic Integration: FastClad allowed the design team to achieve a contemporary interpretation of red brick facades, ensuring the new buildings complemented the existing campus structures and the surrounding Edgbaston area.
Lightweight Construction: The lightweight nature of FastClad reduced the structural load on the new buildings, enabling more design flexibility and lowering construction costs.
Ease of Installation: FastClad's system facilitated quicker installation compared to traditional brickwork, and minimising disruption on campus.
Durability and Maintenance: With a certified minimum service life of 60 years, FastClad offers long-term durability, ensuring the university's investment remains robust and visually appealing with minimal maintenance.
Conclusion
The expansion of Birmingham City University's City South Campus showcases the effective use of the FastClad brick cladding system in modern educational architecture. By combining aesthetic considerations with practical construction benefits, FastClad contributed to creating a cohesive and functional environment that meets the university's educational objectives while respecting the architectural heritage of its surroundings.
