York Handmade Bricks praised for University Building
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has supplied 50,000 bricks for one of the most stunning new buildings in York.
The Easingwold-based company’s Old Clamp Blend specials form an integral part of the brand-new York St John University building on the corner of Lord Mayor’s Walk and Gillygate in central York.
The £8.9 million, four-storey, development houses a new graduate centre and research, academic, administration and partnerships offices.
Architect Charles Thomson of Rivington Street Studio, based in Shoreditch, east London, said: “Brick was an obvious choice of material: it is durable, modular and traditional and it could be built to the curves we had designed. York Handmade were the obvious choice of supplier, making brick nearby using local clays and traditional moulding and firing techniques.
“We chose the 'Old Clamp' blend of 4 different bricks, which gives a beautiful warm and richly textured quality to the elevations. The curved wall has deep, recessed openings which required the manufacture of a variety of 'special' corner pieces and brick 'slips' to clad the lintels. These were all supplied by York Handmade. We are delighted by the results,” he said.
Chairman of York Handmade, David Armitage, commented: “I think this superb building is a worthy addition to York’s fantastic architectural heritage. It is a flagship building for the university – and for York itself. It is a great example of how good modern architecture can fit in seamlessly with historic surroundings.
“Although the new building is very close to the York’s iconic Bar Walls, it is able to hold its own. We are very proud to have played a part in creating such an attractive and innovative building,” he added.
David Wilson, project manager of developers Morgan Ashurst, said: “All involved in the project, especially our architects and the client York St John, are delighted with the visual appearance and impact of the completed curved walling on the external elevation of the project”.
He added: “Many thanks are due to York Handmade’s skilled team of lads who make, fire, and select the bricks and specials, and to the procurement team for all the help and assistance they have given to Morgan Ashurst throughout the course of the project.”
For further information, please contact David Armitage of York Handmade on 01347 83881 or Robert Beaumont of Robert Beaumont Associates on 01423 323139. Alternatively, please visit the website http://www.yorkhandmade.co.uk