Discover how Wienerberger's Casa Lena brick transformed the University College Cork's Crows Nest student accommodation, providing a timeless, handcrafted look.
The UCC project
University College Cork (UCC) wanted to create a durable and visually appealing exterior finish for its new Crows Nest student accommodation building. The challenge was to find a brick product which offered a handmade clay look and could accommodate the project's specific requirements, including non-standard window dimensions.
Choosing Casa Lena
The project's architect, McCullough Mulvin Architects, chose Wienerberger's Casa Lena brick to meet these challenges. The brick was selected as it had the qualities the team was looking for: a non-mechanical, handmade clay appearance with a tumbled finish for a salvaged brick look.
Valerie Mulvin, Director at McCullough Mulvin Architects, said: “The key advantages of Casa Lena brick included its chalky finish, providing depth and a soft appearance. The brick joint could be adjusted slightly in the length, which was instrumental in accommodating the project's close tolerances and non-standard window dimensions.”
Project outcomes
The project, executed by the specialist brickwork contractor, John Sisk & Son, was a success. Alan Flynn, Project Director at John Sisk & Son, said: “We had our reservations at the commencement of the project due to the irregular nature of the brick and the workability issues that it might bring for site but once we agreed the jointing detail and sample panels the work flowed from there.
“For use on future projects we would have to factor in a higher waste percentage than standard as the irregular nature of the brick resulted in a higher percentage of rejected brick during our mixing process.
“Overall, the quality of the finish achieved on the Crows Nest project is a credit to all involved and particularly to the hard-working bricklayers that carried out the work. As the main contractor of the project, we hope that all involved look at the finished product as we do with pride and satisfaction.”
Valerie added: “The Casa Lena brick not only met the technical challenges but also aligned with UCC's long-term maintenance goals. Its textured appearance and longevity will make sure that the building will maintain its look over time.”
Find more Wienerberger case studies at https://www.wienerberger.co.uk/reference-projects/project-type/project-highlights.html.
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