Project Overview
The University of Birmingham's new School of Engineering was conceived as a state-of-the-art facility to foster collaboration between academia and industry. The architects aimed to create a building that stood in contrast to the traditional red-brick structures prevalent across the campus. To achieve this, they selected the Maranello facing brick, known for its buff tones, to provide a modern aesthetic that complements the Corten steel cladding used elsewhere on the building.
Brick Selection and Collaboration
Traditional Brick & Stone (TBS) worked closely with EH Smith, the architects, and Tellings Architectural, who produced the precast elements in lightweight concrete. The collaboration ensured that the Maranello bricks matched the design intent and met the project's technical requirements. The brick's tones were chosen to harmonize with the Corten cladding, giving the building a cohesive and contemporary look.
Construction Techniques and Challanges
The brickwork on the project was divided between Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) brick-faced units and traditionally built brickwork. This approach was necessitated by space restrictions on certain elevations and the complex brickwork detailing required, including deep brick reveals and sporadic projected brick patterns. These design elements were used to break up large spans of brickwork and add visual interest to the façade.
Conclusion
The University of Birmingham's School of Engineering stands as a testament to innovative design and material use. The successful integration of Maranello facing bricks and GRC panels resulted in a building that not only meets functional requirements but also enhances the campus's architectural diversity.
Please see below images of the Maranello facing brick at the Birmingham University School of Engineering.
