Fusion Students, is a four block 846-unit student accommodation scheme located in the heart of Sheffield providing accommodation for students at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.
The site off Fitzwilliam Street, is defined by a graduated profile, ranging in height across the four blocks from six-storeys at its lowest elevation to 17-storeys. This incorporates high end-communal facilities across ground and mezzanine levels including a cinema, gym and break out areas. It is redefining student accommodation, combining housing with health and well-being, making its studios and apartments a true ‘home away from home’.
Principal Contractor ISG selected specialist brickwork contractor, Marlborough Brickwork to deliver this landmark project. Employing over 50 locally trained craftsmen the programme was delivered in an aggressive 45 week period. Five different and contrasting bricks were specified to blend with existing buildings in the local environment of Fitzwilliam Street and Moore Street and to offer a vibrant modern diversity of texture, detailing and colour.
The logistical challenge to distribute five different facing bricks to four distinct blocks with four different mortar colours was met with a combination of teamwork between ISG and Marlborough and total dedication to deliver to the programme and quality restraints. The general recessed pointing detail was excellently executed by local trained craftsmen and Marlborough met the project KPI by employing 100% local labour.
The technical detailing includes window surrounds in a stack bonded contrasting brick “picture frame” forming the stunning and distinctive window reveals on the Fitzwilliam Street elevation. Further complexity is added by stack bonded feature panels constructed on site by the craftsmen and a projecting header pattern on elevations with the projection dimensions reducing over the panels to give a striking warmth and texture to the elevations.
The five facing bricks specified were a combination of British and European bricks. Grainger Antique, Alnwick Blend and Milburn Ashen were built alongside Michelmersh Synthesis Blend and to add a bit of continental flair a splash of White Rustico was added from Camtech.