UCL Cruciform

Key to the successful restoration of UCL's Victorian buildings was the development of a new brick, which matched the colour and texture of the originals. Ibstock manufactured the original non-imperial sized bricks, but as the clay pits have long since been worked out it had to spend five months developing a new match, using Etruria marl clay from Staffordshire.

In all, 200,000 bricks have been used to replace lost facades and reclad unsympathetic alterations to the buildings. Laid in a Flemish bond to match the existing building, numerous specially shaped bricks were used to replace damaged areas.

An impressive body of work, which involved the whole team of material suppliers, specifiers and contractors in a series of design challenges

Shortlist

The Maltings, London
  • A refurbished vinegar factory provides the setting for three new residential buildings
    Architect: Dransfield Owens de Silva
    Main contractor: Sunlight
    Brick: Chelwood Smeed Deane London Stock Bus Station, Turnpike Lane, London
  • The Brickwork is a perfect match for the Grade II-listed tube station next door
    Architect: The Rogers Partnership, St Albans
    Main contractor: Kier London
    Structural engineer: Thomason Partnership
    Brick: Baggeridge Oast Russet Sovereign Stock Imperial War Museum, London
  • A major extension to an important building, which is impressive for its attention to detail
    Architect: Arup Associates
    Main contractor: Birse Construction
    Structural engineer: Arup Associates
    Brick: Ambion Wealdon London Multi Stock King’s House, King’s Road, Brighton
  • Brighton & Hove council has made a good job of restoring this seaside hotel
    Architect: Brighton & Hove Council
    Main contractor: Albert Sodon
    Structural engineer: Helmsley Orrell Partnership
    Brick: Ibstock Roughdales Albany Cream

    • Credits

    Client University College London Architect HLM Architects Main contractor Jarvis Construction Brick Ibstock

    Brick Awards 2001