Acorn Aluminium is making significant strides in the construction of the Gough Street purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project for Vita Student, located in Birmingham. The contractor McAleer & Rushe provided a completion update at the beginning of this month, highlighting the progress made on this innovative development.
Project Overview
Acorn Aluminium is executing the Metal Technology Ltd 3,500m² curtain walling package, which encompasses 186 individual strips for the Gough Street scheme. This development will consist of 540 studio apartments, distributed across two blocks that will rise between ten to 29 storeys. The project is designed to offer a range of amenities, including private dining areas, a gym, a basketball court, co-study zones, and social hubs, catering to the diverse needs of students.
Construction Timeline
Planning permission for the Gough Street PBSA was successfully secured in early 2023, with construction officially commencing the same year. McAleer & Rushe celebrated a significant milestone, topping out the structure in June 2025. The development is on schedule to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Design and Sustainability
Architecturally, the Gough Street development is distinguished by its striking zig-zag façade and modern design ethos, which prioritises sustainability. Acorn’s Metal Technology 17 High Rise Curtain Walling system is specifically engineered for multi-storey buildings and roof glazing applications. This system combines high thermal performance with robust weather resistance, ensuring a durable and efficient structure.
Performance Specifications
The thermally broken system can achieve impressive U-values as low as 0.87 W/m²K and is designed to accommodate glazing units ranging from 4 mm to 55 mm. It has undergone rigorous testing to meet BS EN 12600 (50 kg) impact standards and BS 7950 security standards. Additionally, through-profile and mullion drainage features enhance the long-term performance of the structure.
Testing and Certifications
The curtain walling system has been tested to the CWCT Sequence B standard, achieving exceptional results in air permeability (600 Pa), water tightness (600 Pa), and wind resistance (2,400 Pa). It has also passed dynamic water penetration tests using two different methods, as well as the 22 l/min hose pipe test at 220 Pa. Acorn’s system is available with either an anodised finish compliant with BS EN 12373-1 or polyester powder coating to BS EN 12206-1, and it holds a Green Guide A rating.
This development at Gough Street signifies a notable addition to the UK PBSA market, catering to the growing demand for high-quality student accommodation while focusing on sustainable practices and modern living standards. The ongoing advancements in this project position it as a key player in the competitive landscape of purpose-built student accommodation.