The construction of The Ice Vault student accommodation in Glasgow has reached an important milestone as the project celebrated its topping out ceremony. Located on Osborne Street, this ambitious development is being undertaken by Clark Contracts on behalf of Far East Orchard Limited and Aurum UK, with the Ambassador Group serving as the development manager. This event was well-attended by project team members and key representatives from Clark Contracts, including directors Michael Scanlan and Danny McKibbens. To commemorate this achievement, Sean Gillies from Aurum UK cast the final section of concrete, marking the completion of the building’s structural frame.
Project Overview and Features
Upon its completion, the 11-storey The Ice Vault will provide a total of 273 purpose-built student rooms, featuring a comprehensive array of amenities designed to enhance the living experience for students. These facilities will include communal spaces, a cinema, a gymnasium, and expansive south-facing terraces. This development is particularly noteworthy as it aims to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating, signifying its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Initiatives
The design incorporates several innovative features to promote energy efficiency and sustainable living. The installation of roof-mounted air source heat pumps will provide both heating and hot water, while a sustainable drainage system has been deployed through the inclusion of green and blue roofs. Additionally, The Ice Vault is set to achieve WiredScore platinum status, showcasing its commitment to providing ‘market-leading’ digital connectivity, an essential aspect for modern student accommodation.
Developer Insights and Future Outlook
Alan Tang, group CEO and executive director of Far East Orchard, expressed enthusiasm regarding this milestone, stating, “The topping out of The Ice Vault represents another step forward in executing Far East Orchard’s strategy to scale our purpose-built student accommodation business in the UK. Together with our partners, Aurum UK and Ambassador Group, we are committed to delivering sustainable assets that meet the evolving needs of students, and look forward to its completion.” Michael Scanlan, director at Clark Contracts, added, “Reaching the topping out stage at The Ice Vault is an important milestone for the project and reflects the scale and ambition of the development. The building has been carefully designed to provide students in Glasgow with a high-quality, future-focused place to live, with sustainability and wellbeing at its core. We are proud to see the project taking shape and look forward to its completion.”
The Ice Vault not only represents a significant addition to Glasgow’s student accommodation landscape but also reflects broader trends in the UK PBSA market, where sustainable and thoughtfully designed living spaces are increasingly in demand. As the need for quality student accommodation continues to grow, developments like The Ice Vault exemplify how the industry is evolving to cater to the needs of students while prioritising environmental stewardship.