Charles Morris Halls, Leeds

The University of Leeds' redevelopment of Charles Morris Halls reshaped expectations for student living in the city, combining hotel-quality accommodation with a strong architectural identity and enhanced environmental performance. Delivered by Sheppard Robson with DLA, and constructed by Morgan Sindall, the £21 million scheme replaces outdated 1960s housing with a contemporary residence built around landscaped courtyards and carefully curated social spaces.

Central to achieving the project's design intent was the integration of TECHNAL's curtain walling and window solutions, fabricated and installed by Dortech Architectural. More than 3,000 sqm of high-performance glazing systems were delivered within a fast-track programme - helping to establish Charles Morris Halls as a standout example of modern university accommodation in the UK.

A Contemporary Architectural Statement for the Campus

The redevelopment forms two half-hexagon buildings positioned around a landscaped central courtyard. This geometry not only introduces a dynamic architectural form but also improves natural daylighting and sightlines across the site - both key principles in student living design.

The architects' intention was to create a building envelope with distinctive rhythm and a facade that would break away from the institutional feel often associated with large accommodation blocks. To support this vision, TECHNAL aluminium systems were created to:

• Large projecting oriel bays

• Angular corner bays

• Long linear runs of curtain walling

These facade elements create depth, variation and articulation across the elevations, avoiding repetition and contributing to a visually engaging composition that sits comfortably within the campus.

Expressive Oriel Bays: Enhancing Form and Light

One of the most challenging aspects of the facade specification was the construction of the large, projecting oriel glazing bays. These extend approximately 300mm in front of the cladding line, creating a strong architectural feature that distinguishes the new hall from traditional recessed facade treatments.

Each oriel bay was constructed using TECHNAL grid facade combined with high-performance casement units. The result is a crisp, sharply-defined protruding volume that enhances daylight penetration while offering framed views from inside. Dortech Architectural fabricated the bays in over 30 different sizes, contributing to a deliberately non-uniform facade pattern that avoids the regimented appearance typical of large accommodation blocks.

Chromatic Layers of Colour and Light

A notable design move in the facade composition is the use of laminated glass with coloured interlayers. These are applied consistently across the project to enhance the personality of each elevation.

• Green tones are used on the external facades against red brickwork

• Orange tones appear on the inward-facing courtyard elevations to complement the pale cream brick cladding

This careful planning of glass colour and masonry finish brings vibrancy and warmth to the development, especially within the courtyard where the coloured interlayers enhance the sense of place. The glazing systems were instrumental in achieving the architectural intent, as their slim sightlines allow the coloured panels to remain visually prominent without heavy framing.

Technical Delivery: Robust Performance and Precise Detailing

Beyond aesthetics, the facade systems had to satisfy demanding performance criteria that contributed to the project's BREEAM "Very Good" rating.

Thermal Efficiency and Airtightness

The window and curtain walling systems were required to deliver strong thermal performance - a key requirement for student residences where energy efficiency directly affects operational costs and occupant comfort. The aluminium facade systems used in the project supported the building envelope's overall thermal goals through:

• Optimised frame design

• High-performance glass units

• Integrated thermal breaks

These elements helped support the requirements set out in the BREEAM assessment.

Slim Sightlines and Sharp Corners

The architectural concept included precise folds and projecting edges in the facade geometry. This meant the glazing systems needed to:

• Accommodate transitions between facade planes

• Maintain slender visual profiles despite spanning significant openings

• Achieve crisp, corner-defined volumes

TECHNAL's curtain walling system allowed for these structural and aesthetic demands to be met without compromising on robustness or weather performance.

Integration with Building Systems

In the common room areas, the casement window units were connected to the building's air-conditioning and ventilation controls. These automatically open with CO² levels rise, contributing to better air quality and passive ventilation strategies.

Elsewhere window units fitted with low-lever operation, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for all residents - a valuable consideration for student accommodation.

Curtain Walling for Generous Social Spaces

Long runs of TECHNAL grid curtain walling, designed on a 1,500mm module, frame the common room and the glazed link bridge between the two buildings. These elements serve several purposes:

• They visually connect internal social spaces to the landscaped courtyard

• They maximise natural light in communal areas where student spend extended periods of time

• They establish clear circulation routes between the accommodation blocks

These transparent zones reinforce the project's intention to create a welcoming and socially engaging environment, encouraging interaction and wellbeing among residents.

Supporting the University's Drive for Modern, High-Quality Accommodation

Charles Morris Halls forms part of the University of Leeds' broader ambition to modernise its accommodation portfolio. The development responds to evolving expectations in the student housing sector, where demand for high-quality amenities and considered design continues to rise.

Key features of the new hall include:

• 457 hotel-style study bedrooms

• Contemporary interior finishes

• Ensuite bathroom pods to reduce time on site

• Premium landscaping and communal areas

In addition to serving students during term time, the accommodation provides hotel-quality rooms for delegates attending conferences at the University outside of the academic year, enhancing the estate's commercial and operational flexibility.

The facade systems from TECHNAL play a central role in supporting this dual functionality. High thermal performance, durable aluminium construction and assured weather protection ensure long-term reliability, while the refined aesthetic contributes to a premium guest experience.

Architectural Quality Enhanced Through Intelligent Facade Design

The redevelopment of Charles Morris Hall demonstrates how well-designed glazing and aluminium facade systems can elevate student accommodation into high-quality architectural environment. From the sculptural project bays to the courtyard-oriented curtain walling, the facade contributes significantly to the building's character, environmental performance and overall user experience.

TECHNAL's curtain walling and window systems enabled the architects' vision to be realised, delivering:

• design flexibility

• precise detailing

• consistent performance

• clean, contemporary aesthetics

The result is a transformative project that sets a benchmark for student living in Leeds and showcases the value of collaboration between architects, contractors, fabricators and facade specialists.

If you are exploring facade solutions for an upcoming project, the TECHNAL team can provide design guidance, specification support and technical expertise.

Contact our specialists.