University Square, Southend-on-Sea

University Square is a modern residential facility designed for students attending the University of Essex’s Southend campus. The complex features four distinct blocks, with the tallest reaching ten stories. Due to safety regulations, the original insulation and cladding were found non-compliant with limited combustibility standards, prompting their complete removal and replacement to enhance fire safety.

10,000m2 of Valcan’s VitraDual® Aluminium cladding panels were specified by Architects Purcell to replace the high-pressure laminate cladding system on the 500 student room buildings.

VitraDual® is A1 fire rated to BS EN 13501-1 meaning it is non-combustible and suitable for use in high rise buildings and other structures were safety in crucial. Visually, VitraDual® is similar to traditional composite panel, however what makes it different is the fact that it is constructed from 100% aluminium, rather than combustible material such as polyethylene and fire rated mineral.

The panels were expertly installed by cladding specialists MK Facades using a Rivet System with fixings supplied by Valcan partner Certifix Ltd, who also carried out pull-out testing on site the determine the correct fixings.

The renovations on the four blocks necessitated extensive collaboration among Valcan, MK Facades, and various contractors. This teamwork was crucial for executing the project to a high standard. Main contractor United Living faced numerous challenges while working in an occupied building, including unexpected design changes and structural complications that required innovative solutions throughout the project's duration.

The replacement design for the University Square blocks has undergone a striking transformation. The previous bold primary colour cladding is now replaced with VitraDual® in sleek, modern metallic tones such as Champagne, Bronze, and Silver Ice. This change introduces an intriguing small fish scale pattern on the elevations, moving away from the bright geometric designs of earlier panels while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Alan Lamming – Director of Valcan commented, “Main contractor United Living, along with MK Facades have done another impressive job installing our VitraDual® aluminium cladding panels on the student accommodation buildings at the University.

The transformation is remarkable; it not only enhances the building's appearance but also provides a long-lasting façade, boosts safety and compliance, ensuring peace of mind for all occupants”.

Colin Black – Director of MK Facades commented, “We are proud to have partnered with United Living and the University of Essex to transform the iconic 'Lego building' into a sleek, modern façade. This stunning project, featuring the standout Clock Box design, is a true demonstration of our expertise in delivering complex, precision-engineered facades. A testament to collaboration, this achievement reflects the power of combined efforts to create an extraordinary façade!"

The renovation of University Square enhances safety for residents while embracing modern architectural trends. This project exemplifies how façade remediation can revitalise an outdated exterior and ensure compliance with current building safety standards, fostering a welcoming community space for students for years to come.

Case study featured in the February 2025 issue of RCI Magazine.