July 24 2025

The University of Glasgow is powering ahead with its drive to build more on-campus accommodation with the delivery of new student residences at Lilybank Gardens.

Intended to improve commute times and expenses, the housing will serve as a link between Ashton Lane and the fast-changing Western Campus.

Overseen by Stallan-Brand and LUC the proposals bridge a 4.5m change in level at the current car park while retaining higher-quality trees along the northern and western boundaries. Accommodation is split between two matching blocks, which will reinstate a tenemental frontage to the gardens while introducing a pedestrian through route to Byres Road.

Documenting their architectural approach, the architects wrote: "The buildings facades have been developed to create a strong sense of hierarchy. This combines an articulated ground floor containing a mix of building entrances, commercial spaces and amenity spaces. A distinction is expressed between formal gardens-facing stone facades and more informal white brick-faced facades towards the lanes."

Combining pre-cast concrete at lower levels with stone piers and precast lintels defining the mid-section, all topped by an aluminium crown. Paired bedrooms permit a symmetrical window arrangement with the lane elevation finished in clean white brick. 

2 Comments

#1 Posted by If you're Ashking on 24 Jul 2025 at 10:12 AM

That street elevation is handsome and the sympathetic block forms are appreciated, but the white detailing bears more resemblance to Victorian England than Glasgow. I'd prefer if the (presumably) GRC elements were a matching red and articulated with some depth/water shedding details.

I'm also concerned about the weathering of the white brick to the lane, typically that would be done in glazed brick to prevent the accumulation of grime/staining.

#2 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 24 Jul 2025 at 13:48 PM

agree with "If you're Ashking", white is not a good colour especially in a lane which is shabby and a bit of a litter and weed pit.

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