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 Higher
education is now a key topic for the government, so colleges
know they need to stand out from the rest in order to attract
high-calibre students. Tresham Institute is one such college
and has started an ambitious re-development strategy at all
of its campuses in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Oakham
to upgrade buildings and provide the very latest technology.
The first phase has now been completed and the result has
transformed the new £20 million Kettering campus thanks
to Baggeridge, fulfilling the design brief to provide a large
quantity of aesthetically impressive bricks.
 This
initial project has seen the creation of a new four storey
building complex, centred around an impressive atrium and
includes a Student Centre for advice, refectory and coffee
shop, IT suites, library and research centre. Baggeridge’s
Kingsbury Smooth Cream bricks were chosen by architect, Bond
Bryan, to create an engineered contemporary finish, which
would be evocative of terracotta cladding employed on the
scheme’s central spine wall.
These bricks are perfect for a modern look thanks to their
crisp arrises, and together with the unusual off-set double
stack bond pattern to add interest to the façade of
the new college, the effect is truly eye-catching. The cream
coloured bricks also provide a striking contrast against the
blue bricks, rainscreen cladding and large expanses of glazing.
Tim Justice, from Bond Bryan, comments: “We chose the
bricks on their quality and competitive prices, but another
factor that stood out for us is the fact that the Kingsbury
Smooth Cream is made from 100 per cent recycled material –
significantly higher than the industry standard of 11.89 per
cent.”
 “We’re
delighted with the finished effect but also pleased to have
been able to consider the environment too, a factor which
reflects the very ethos, and aspirations, of Bond Bryan.”
Alison Adderley, commercial manager at Baggeridge, adds: “As
well as providing an inspiring place for study and skills
development, the stunning effect created by the brick design
will help it become a new landmark for the town. This project
demonstrates how the desired look can be achieved with positive
environmental benefits.”
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