Burley Street – High Rise Student Accommodation

Burley Street Leeds High Rise Student Accommodation

Burley Street is a high-rise student accommodation development in Leeds delivered for Torsion over a ten-month programme running from January to August. The scheme exceeded 18 metres in height, bringing enhanced regulatory scrutiny across structural performance, fire compliance, barrier loading and ventilation requirements. Completion was aligned with the academic intake, placing programme certainty at the forefront of delivery.

Advanced Glass was appointed to deliver a comprehensive façade package incorporating windows, curtain walling, louvres, barrier panels, entrance systems and rooftop screening elements. The project required a coordinated approach to ensure compliance, aesthetic intent and buildability were achieved simultaneously.

Scope of Works

The façade incorporated inward opening casement windows finished in a bronze anodized effect powder coat, contributing to the architectural character of the scheme. Faceted curtain walling formed part of the building’s geometry, requiring careful structural and drainage detailing to ensure consistent performance across angled elevations.

Bespoke louvres and feature barrier panels were developed to meet both design intent and safety standards. At roof level, a dedicated louvre enclosure supported by a specialist system was installed to screen mechanical plant while maintaining required airflow. Fire-rated glazing and secure ground floor elements were integrated in line with the project’s performance criteria.

Design and Technical Challenges

A primary challenge on this project was designing the barrier panels to meet the required loading criteria under Approved Document K, particularly where full-height side-hung vents were incorporated. These elements needed to balance safety, ventilation and structural stability without compromising the façade’s visual intent.

Ventilation compliance under Approved Document O also required detailed coordination to ensure barrier louvres provided sufficient airflow while maintaining safety performance. The faceted curtain walling geometry introduced additional complexity in achieving alignment and weather integrity.

One of the most demanding interfaces involved maintaining a weather-tight perimeter connection to pre-cast concrete stone elements while allowing for a return visit to complete final mastic sealing. This required careful sequencing and clear communication between the design and installation teams.

Performance Requirements

The façade was designed to achieve a target U-value of 1.2 W/m²K while delivering enhanced acoustic performance of 37dB plus Ctr to the primary elevation. Fire-rated windows achieving EI60 were incorporated where required, and ground floor elements were delivered to PAS 24 security standards.

Compliance with Approved Documents B, K and O formed a central part of the design process, with barrier loads, ventilation and fire performance verified through coordinated detailing and test-backed solutions.

Installation and Programme

The site presented logistical constraints typical of city centre high-rise developments. Just-in-time deliveries were essential due to limited laydown space, and approximately twelve operatives were deployed throughout peak periods of installation.

Regular design coordination meetings and structured on-site communication ensured smooth sequencing. The façade was delivered in line with programme requirements, enabling timely completion ahead of the student intake.

Outcome and Client Feedback

The project was completed on time and within budget, achieving all structural, acoustic, fire and ventilation performance targets. The façade has been praised for both its technical precision and its aesthetic quality.

The main contractor commended Advanced Glass for its proactive approach from early-stage design through to final installation. The experience gained in coordinating barrier load and ventilation requirements on this scheme has further strengthened our capability on future high-rise projects.

What next?

From luxury restaurants to hotels, city centre offices, heritage buildings, and rural schools, Advanced Glass delivers tailored curtain walling and glazing solutions to meet the demanding performance and aesthetic needs of our clients and their customers.

To discuss this project or to discover how we can help you, please contact one of our experienced team members today by calling 01455 856028, or [click here] to send us a message.