PROJECT DETAILS
Developer: CEG
Metal builder: Glassolutions
Main Contractor: Wates Construction
WICONA recently provided its curtain walling, WICTEC 50SG, with bespoke feature caps, to Number One Kirkstall Forge, an ambitious regeneration development outside Leeds city centre. Working alongside CEG, Wates Construction and Glassolutions, the floor to ceiling glazing creates a modern, light filled work environment. The stunning location of Kirkstall Forge benefits from views of the surrounding valley and the River Aire, which runs through the heart of the site.
CEG is leading the development of the 57 acre, £400million Kirkstall Forge scheme, which is set to become home to a thriving mixed-use community in a unique wooded, riverside setting. Ultimately it will comprise of 1,050 new homes, 300,000 square foot of offices and 100,000 square foot of retail, leisure and community space.
At this flagship office development, CEG has pushed the benchmark in terms of design, quality, flexibility and efficiency. It offers 110,000 square foot of commercial space and has achieved an EPC A and BREEAM Excellent rating.
WICONA’s WICTEC 50SG stick system curtain walling offers a wide selection of profiles, which allows economic adaptation to structure requirements, whilst having an overall filigree- style appearance.
The chosen finish was a bronze anodized coating, a material that was selected for its natural looking finish and significant colour, which is intended to be reflective of the site’s industrial heritage. The billet material was also batch controlled in order to ensure the highest standard. In addition, WICONA also provided bespoke feature caps around the columns of the buildings and the floor slabs.
Wates Construction, the contractor for the project, explained that they had worked with WICONA before on the Haribo factory re-development, and have been impressed by the products. Quality and workmanship were key requirements of this particular project, so the WICONA brand was an excellent fit.
CEG became responsible for the site in 2007, but have spent the last ten years on demolition, site clearance and infrastructure works. Their vision is clear; Kirkstall Forge will aim to demonstrate an ideal mix of city and country, with green spaces and open and light-filled offices. For the construction of these buildings, WICONA’s high quality curtain walling was a perfect match.
Tony Armstrong, Regional Head of Construction at CEG said: "The high quality anodised aluminium cruciform cladding and glazing design is an essential part of Number One Kirkstall Forge which delivers a unique façade on the building that maximises the natural varying light and weather conditions in this wooded, riverside valley setting."
