Redefining student living
- Specify & Build
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Metal Technology, a leading UK and Ireland architectural aluminium systems manufacturer, has supplied glazing and façade solutions for a number of landmark student living spaces.
Combining architectural flexibility with high-performance engineering, Metal Technology’s systems are being used to deliver striking, sustainable and future-ready student living spaces in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation sector (PBSA) that meet the evolving needs of today’s academic communities.
Nelson Place, Belfast
Metal Technology’s products were specified for Nelson Place, Belfast’s largest purpose-built student accommodation project to date. Installed by Turkington Windows, the aluminium fenestration systems achieved a U-value of 1.4W/m²K and delivered excellent acoustic insulation – essential thanks to the development’s city-centre location and proximity to a motorway.
Designed by Fletcher Joseph Associates, and delivered by Graham Construction for Greystar and Lacuna Developments, the 12-storey, 245,000ft2 scheme includes 774 luxury en-suite and studio rooms. The accommodation features a sky lounge, bookable kitchen, cinema, games room and study spaces. It also houses Ulster University’s new sports and wellbeing centre, complete with a gym, spin studio, badminton courts, and a rooftop running track.
Awarded Gold at the 2024 Green Apple Environment Awards and rated BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and EPC ‘A’, Nelson Place exemplifies zero-carbon, student-first design. Lacuna Developments also secured Commercial Development of the Year at the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards for this outstanding scheme.
Tribeka, Leeds
Formerly the site of the Leeds University technology campus, Tribeka is a high-spec 19-storey PBSA project in the city’s Woodhouse district that sets a new standard for urban student living. Delivered by McAleer & Rushe and designed by DLA Architecture, the development provides 514 student apartments in studio and cluster formats, along with ground-floor commercial units.
Metal Technology supplied its System 17 Hi+ High Rise Curtain Walling, System 5-35 Hi+ Tilt and Turn Windows, high-performance doors, and brise soleil systems – contributing to the building’s distinctive façade and energy performance. Students at Tribeka benefit from a suite of communal amenities, including a gym, study zones, sky lounge, games room, and coffee lounge, as part of the city’s wider regeneration efforts.
Upcoming developments
Metal Technology is currently working on several large-scale PBSA projects that are set to welcome students for the upcoming academic year.
Avon Point, Bristol: A £75 million development on Feeder Road delivering 595 student apartments and 3,500m2 of commercial space. Communal features include study areas, a gym, cycle storage, and a rooftop terrace. Metal Technology’s high-performance glazing solutions are being installed by APiC UK Limited for RG Group.
iQ Cullen House, Glasgow: Located on Bath Street, iQ Cullen House is a new PBSA scheme featuring a suite of Metal Technology products – including curtain walling, windows, doors, and louvres – installed by NetZero Facades. Students will enjoy panoramic views of Glasgow from rooftop terraces and have access to a variety of communal spaces, including a gaming arcade, cinema, private dining area, and study zones.
Metal Technology manufactures architectural aluminium systems for the construction industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation, performance, and sustainability, the company delivers high-quality façade, window, door, and curtain walling solutions to projects across education, residential, commercial, and public sectors.
.png)
