The Shield, Newcastle

The Shield is a £18.4m development located on the east side of Newcastle city centre - a regeneration area previously occupied by light industrial buildings, a brick-build office and a warehouse.

Comprising of three blocks of student accomodation extending seven storeys at Stoddard Street to the east, this scheme steps down to four storeys at Clarence Street to the west.

This building features a refined palette of materials including brick, aluminium and bronze coloured cladding in a range of natural colours to animate the facade.

Visible aluminium frame windows punctuate the mass of three blocks and provide a significant aesthetic impact. Installed in a vertical configuration to contrast with the cladding's horizontal lines, side-hung, open-out windows were mostly used with some top-hung, open-out vents - all fitted with exclusive TECHNAL hardware including locking handles and releasable restrictors.

Visible Grid Curtain walling is also utilised in this project for its durability and design flexibility. Featured to enhance daylighting in communal spaces, it was installed at ground level alongside aluminium doors, and at height alongside the windows - adding interest by visually zig-zagging on alternate floors.

Within walking distance of Northumbria University's City Campus East, and the main Newcastle University Campus, The Shield offers a mix of self-contained studio flats and en-suite bedrooms with shared kitchens and houses up to 400 students.