Click To Search PRODUCTS ABOUT USEFUL TOOLS LITERATURE NEWS MEDIA GALLERY DESIGN & TECH CONTACT New Library, Birmingham University, New Library, Birmingham University All Case Studies Previous Next Challenge As part of a major redevelopment of the Edgbaston campus, the new main library building has been purpose-designed to allow students to connect effectively with the information, resources, ideas, technology, creative outputs and research generated by this leading research university. The £43 million building provides 17,000sq.m of floor space over 5 levels, with open access facilities and vibrant circulation spaces, a café and high demand facilities taking up the ground floor, and a state-of-the-art research annex, with 50km of shelving to house the University’s important heritage print collection, to the lower ground floor. To the front of the library, overlooking the centre of the campus, a transformational and engaging Research Gallery will showcase and explore the University’s research across the arts and sciences. Sited in the north west corner of the campus adjacent to the site of the former library building, which is to be demolished to improve site circulation and create a new central green ‘heart’ for the campus, the new building has been designed with a contextual modern aesthetic to complement the University’s existing historic brick and stone Aston Webb buildings. Solution Designers, Associated Architects, have created a building with intuitive, natural circulation and a ‘user’, rather than ‘collection’ focus. Bisecting the plan, a central street runs north-south, generating the internal planning and creating quiet study spaces around the building’s perimeter. Externally the impressive colonnaded front elevation and upper section of the building is cloaked by banks of glazing, set within a regular framework of stone and brick infill. To optimise the natural light and control glare, glass louvres provide solar shading whilst adding a layer of detail to the elevations. To help sit the building within the local vernacular, Associated Architects have used brickwork to the lower ground floor, selecting a glazed brick cladding that effectively grounds the building whilst reinforcing the modern design. The choice of Ibstock 440x65mm Linear Silver Black gives linearity to the scheme, whilst working with the reflective glazing above to create a building that subtly alters appearance during the day, as the sun moves round and lighting conditions change. An existing substation, located alongside the new building, has also been cleverly overclad in specially manufactured slips of the identical linear silver black glazed brick, extending the visual and giving continuity throughout the scheme. As well as being an exciting and inspirational space for students, the new building has an EPC A rating which will offer a 50% reduction in energy usage for the University, with the sustainable brickwork cladding contributing to an Excellent BREEAM rating, and helping the University achieve its target 20% CO2 reduction by 2020. Architect: Associated Architects Brick Type(s): Linear Silver Black DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY PDF ORDER BRICK & PAVER SAMPLES TRADESMAN RANGE LITERATURE BESPOKE BLENDS Go to the top of the page Quick links About The I-Studio Accreditations Literature News Media gallery Technical services Modern Slavery Statement PPE Document Loading Vehicles Information Contact Us Sitemap Products Mechslip Mechanically secured, this brick innovation allows you to use real brick slips. Ibstock Kevington UK’s largest brickwork special shape and masonry fabrication company. Eco-products Eco habitats designed specifically for bats & swifts. Useful Tools Brick selector Find the perfect bricks and paving products using our selector. Stockist locator Find your local stockist of Ibstock Brick products. Brick calculator Use our calculator to estimate how many bricks you’ll require for your project. Contact us Head Office Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6HS t: 01530 261999 e: enquiries@ibstock.co.uk VAT no: 114102047 Company No: 63230 *calls to this number are chargeable, please contact your call provider for more details Ibstock PLC Copyright © Ibstock 2020 All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Legal Notices Cookie Control