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Modular 589-bed student build takes shape in Glasgow’s West End

May 19 2017

Modular 589-bed student build takes shape in Glasgow’s West End
A 589-bed modular student build is taking shape in Glasgow’s West End with application of the first cladding to the Chinese-backed venture.

Construction is now 80% complete on the true Student build at Kelvinhaugh Street, Finnieston, which is being pieced together by China-based off-site modular construction specialists CIMC.

True Student MD Marc Carter commented: “The site is coming along well and there are parts that are ready to move into. The construction process has been very smooth and we believe we’re onto a winning formula with the material and design partners we have selected. For now this will remain our primary and preferred method of building.”

Designed by KKA Architects using modular single-occupancy rooms and shared apartments with ensuite bedrooms with on-site amenities including a slide, festival space, cinema, library, café and gym.

13 Comments

rim
#1 Posted by rim on 19 May 2017 at 14:57 PM
Quite possibly the worst I have seen in quite some time

Even by the very low standards set by recent student residences in Glasgow
David
#2 Posted by David on 19 May 2017 at 15:37 PM
I've seen much worse recently...
rim
#3 Posted by rim on 19 May 2017 at 15:41 PM
really ? surely you kid.
im struggling, even the ones at Collegelands are better than this
MoFloBro
#4 Posted by MoFloBro on 19 May 2017 at 16:22 PM
I'd put it above the Vita student halls on Beith Street but not by much. The cladding looks especially cheap and naff but worst than that will be the size of the rooms.
I saw it when living in Auckland - when Chinese money came in, Chinese style apartments got built. They're basically tiny rabbit hutches stacked as high as they're allowed. They've obviously found a soft touch here at GCC. We'll all be living in these one day.
David
#5 Posted by David on 19 May 2017 at 16:23 PM
Collegelands are the worst, by a country mile. They remind me of a prison ship. The new one in Beith Street is particularly bad. Heavy clumsy massing and just weird cladding patterns. This is simple, bold, and crisp. Nice big windows and deep reveals.

I'd be interested in knowing what it is you don't like about it?...
Pablo
#6 Posted by Pablo on 19 May 2017 at 18:45 PM
Not a flattering photo. Looks far better in the flesh.

A decent enough development.
Billy
#7 Posted by Billy on 20 May 2017 at 13:03 PM
Grey and black in a city known for grey skies. Hate grey and black on buildings. Not chic . Just depressing Please some one give us colour to brighten up our city. I love those brightly coloured 'hey look at me ' buildings in London's West End near Bloomsbury. Bergen and other cities manage it but not Glasgow . Would rather book into cheerful accommodation than some grey drab office looking block that at best should be in an out of town industrial estate. Surprised by the Chinese connection given the exciting buildings going up all the time in China. This is anything but exciting. How low can we go? The approvers need a change of job.
Robert
#8 Posted by Robert on 20 May 2017 at 21:22 PM
I saw this in the flesh ....... It's just plain nasty
Short Termism
#9 Posted by Short Termism on 20 May 2017 at 22:00 PM
This is Short Term thinking at its very worst

What is this going to be like in 5 years time

I suspect very poor is an aspiration

David
#10 Posted by David on 21 May 2017 at 15:46 PM
I must say that I don't find this as dreadful as some other commentators....decent height, good window proportions, massing and scale, and it provides a decent urban edge from a site that historically has always been a yard with no substantial built form. That being said the cladding materials are quite simply awful and I agree that they will probably look horrific after five years. If this entire build had been clad in a high quality brick skin, with sandstone for the window reveals (akin to New Laurieston), this would have become one of the best looking buildings on Kelvinhaugh Street...the developers have cut a corner here to try and save some cash and increase their profits....I suspect that ten or fifteen years down the line they will probably need to reclad the entire building to attract tenants through the door.
monkey9000
#11 Posted by monkey9000 on 22 May 2017 at 11:35 AM
Up there with the Unite abomination on Gibson St.
Roddy
#12 Posted by Roddy on 24 May 2017 at 12:46 PM
Looks like it's been value engineered to death.

George
#13 Posted by George on 25 May 2017 at 07:09 AM
Absolutely shocking development lacking any quality or longevity, all about developers making money here. How on earth can the planners meekly agree to such rubbish. I know Student Housing won't be of the highest quality but in any other city the quality of build and material is of a far higher quality. Must do better.

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