Sep 5 2007
Higher education is now a key topic for the government, so colleges know they need to stand out from the rest in order to attract high-calibre students. Tresham Institute is one such college and has started an ambitious re-development strategy at all of its campuses in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Oakham to upgrade buildings and provide the very latest technology.
The first phase has now been completed and the result has transformed the new £20 million Kettering campus thanks to Baggeridge, fulfilling the design brief to provide a large quantity of aesthetically impressive bricks.
This initial project has seen the creation of a new four storey building complex, centred around an impressive atrium and includes a Student Centre for advice, refectory and coffee shop, IT suites, library and research centre. Baggeridge’s Kingsbury Smooth Cream bricks were chosen by architect, Bond Bryan, to create an engineered contemporary finish, which would be evocative of terracotta cladding employed on the scheme’s central spine wall.
These bricks are perfect for a modern look thanks to their crisp arrises, and together with the unusual off-set double stack bond pattern to add interest to the façade of the new college, the effect is truly eye-catching. The cream coloured bricks also provide a striking contrast against the blue bricks, rainscreen cladding and large expanses of glazing.
Tim Justice, from Bond Bryan, comments: “We chose the bricks on their quality and competitive prices, but another factor that stood out for us is the fact that the Kingsbury Smooth Cream is made from 100 per cent recycled material – significantly higher than the industry standard of 11.89 per cent.”
“We’re delighted with the finished effect but also pleased to have been able to consider the environment too, a factor which reflects the very ethos, and aspirations, of Bond Bryan.
Alison Adderley, commercial manager at Baggeridge, adds: “As well as providing an inspiring place for study and skills development, the stunning effect created by the brick design will help it become a new landmark for the town. This project demonstrates how the desired look can be achieved with positive environmental benefits.”