Kampus, Manchester
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Project Overview
Situated in the city’s centre, Kampus continues Manchester’s regeneration plans by transforming a former university campus into a contemporary neighbourhood comprising modern apartment buildings, retained historic warehouses and newly activated public routes.
After initial design by Mecanoo Architects, the scheme was delivered by Chapman Taylor who brought their own adaptations to the project. The scheme was conceived as a collection of interconnected buildings rather than a single residential block. This approach allowed the architecture to define streets and shared spaces while responding sensitively to the surrounding historic fabric.
LBT Brick & Facades Consultant, Simon D Jones, worked closely with the design team to identify the right materials for the project, eventually selecting facing bricks to create a strong contextual link to Manchester’s industrial heritage, not necessarily to mimic the local vernacular but to sit alongside it.
Architectural Intent
The architectural ambition for Kampus was to create robust and timeless buildings capable of accommodating the scale of a dense residential development without appearing repetitive or overbearing. Equally, the facades needed to integrate comfortably with neighbouring Victorian brick structures while presenting a contemporary identity suited to modern urban living.
As a result, the facade design is divided into three distinct bands of material, with metal cladding sitting on either side of the red brick mid-section. Not only does this provide the required visual interest but it equally links the new development to its history and future ambitions. To add further architectural character, each block varies in height, and many blocks feature metal window surrounds in a scattered ‘pixel’ effect.
Specification
LBT Brick & Facades worked closely with Chapman Taylor, Mount Anvil and Marlborough Brickwork, assisting them throughout the project programme to ensure the brickwork met the teams’ exact requirements.
Beginning with specification, Simon used his vast knowledge and experience of facing bricks, and the work he has supplied to the Manchester skyeline, to inform the selection of materials for Kampus. His recommendation, a beautiful red brick with a warm tone and subtle texture, means the scheme perfectly complements the surrounding cityscape and ensures the new buildings feel established within the context.
Simon’s technical expertise also came into play with the specification and supply of 25,000 cut pistol brick specials, which were used to create horizontal banding and recessed detailing that add shadow and texture to the facades. To complete the brickwork, LBT also specified a number of bolt-up brick faced units manufactured by FabSpeed.
Project Completion
The completed Kampus development demonstrates how thoughtful brick specification and early-stage design assistance can elevate large-scale residential architecture. The chosen brick provides cohesion across the neighbourhood, while the integration of specials and prefabricated elements introduces depth and refinement that help break down mass and enhance the pedestrian experience.
For LBT Brick & Facades, Kampus highlights the value of specification-led collaboration and the role a specialist brick supplier can play in shaping interesting, contextually responsive urban architecture.
Get in touch with our knowledgeable teams to get the information you need and start your project. Call us on 01204 400 400 or send us as an email at sales@lbtfacades.com
