Case studies

Tarmac helps out on tight site conditions

Site space restrictions were the prime reason Tarmac Mortars were specified for the construction of student accommodation in London for the Blackstone Group. The £14 million project is being built by ISG with blockwork and brickwork handled by sub-contractor Irvine-Whitlock.

Designed by architects TP Bennett to complement the surrounding built environment, the new facility in Notting Hill, London, incorporates a brick façade to the lower five stories, with curtain walling to the upper two levels.

Irvine-Whitlock specified ready to use mortar principally because of tight site space availability and Tarmac has supplied GM4 Y12 ready to use mortar for the project which incorporates 1166 m2 of brickwork and 110 m2 of blocks.

The project sees the demolition of an existing single-storey and part four-storey mixed use building on the site, which is adjacent to the Grand Union Canal. A sheet-piled retaining wall has been installed to protect the canal tow path and ISG carried out a reduced level dig to level the sloping site.

A seven-storey reinforced concrete frame structure features an internal courtyard area at first floor level. The 89,294 sq ft building accommodates 233 rooms, including twin bed apartments, single studio units and specially designed disabled rooms. Off-site manufactured bathroom pods and kitchen units are used throughout the development, which also aims for a BREEAM very good rating thanks to efficient roof mounted air source heat pumps and a green sedum roof with bat box habitats.

Further information or access to any photographs contact Mick Russell at Mick Russell@mineralproducts.org or call 020 7963 8000.