Schuster Annex, Manchester

The Schuster Annex at the University of Manchester is a striking addition to the campus, designed to support excellence in STEM education. This four-storey building provides 2,500m² of flexible teaching and collaboration spaces, including the “Ideas Mill” and breakout areas at ground level. It forms part of the university’s wider masterplan to create inspiring environments for learning and research.

Delivered by Willmott Dixon and designed by Hawkins Brown, the annex was completed to BIM Level 2 standards within a tightly controlled budget of approximately £11 million. The project demonstrates how careful specification and collaboration between architect, contractor, and fabricator can achieve both design ambition and technical performance.

Design Intent and Architectural Vision

The architectural vision for the Schuster Annex centred on creating a light-filled, contemporary space that encourages innovation and connectivity. Large glazed facades were integral to the concept, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while maintaining visual continuity with the existing building. The design also needed to address acoustic challenges posed by the site’s proximity to a major road and hospital.

Achieving thermal comfort and energy efficiency was equally important, with the building targeting a BREEAM Very Good rating. The façade had to combine aesthetic appeal with high levels of insulation and airtightness, ensuring compliance with building regulations and supporting the university’s sustainability objectives.

Façade Solution

A high-performance aluminium curtain wall from TECHNAL was chosen to meet these requirements. Its slim sightlines provide a clean architectural rhythm and maximised daylight penetration, while thermally broken framing deliver excellent thermal insulation. The system also offers integrated acoustic performance, achieving sound reduction of 40dB or more with additional treatments, which was critical given the urban location.

The flexibility of the solution allowed for bespoke detailing, including extended face caps and digitally printed glass artwork that adds visual interest to the façade. Complementary aluminium window systems were incorporated to provide ventilation and maintain a consistent aesthetic across the building envelope, ensuring both functionality and design integrity.

Performance and Sustainability

The glazing specification combined solar control glass with laminated inner panes and argon-filled cavities, optimising thermal comfort and reducing glare. This approach supported the building’s passive design strategy, contributing to improved air quality and occupant wellbeing. The result is a façade that performs exceptionally well in terms of energy efficiency and acoustic control.

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. Aluminium was selected for its durability and recyclability, helping to reduce embodied carbon and support circular design principles. As part of Hydro, TECHNAL offer aluminium solutions manufactured from Hydro CIRCAL®, billets certified as at least 75% recycled post-consumer scrap, enabling architects and contractors to meet sustainability targets without compromising on design or performance.

Outcome

The completed Schuster Annex has been widely praised for its architectural quality and technical excellence. The façade not only met all thermal and acoustic requirements but also delivered a visually striking result that enhances the university’s campus. According to the project team, the building performs well in terms of comfort and energy efficiency, while creating an inspiring environment for students and staff.

This case study demonstrates how aluminium curtain walling and window systems can deliver design flexibility, sustainability, and compliance for complex education projects. It highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving outstanding results within budget and programme constraints.

Are you looking for specification support or sustainable aluminium facade solutions for your next project? Discover more about TECHNAL curtain walling and window systems or contact our team today to discuss your design requirements.