Sustainable community development made possible with Kinley

The project detail

Comprising much needed accommodation for Cambridge University and post-graduate students as well as sustainable private homes, phase one of this development aspired to create a community feel with a vast range of amenities and open space. It has been supported by a new infrastructure, along with the planting of almost 2500 trees. Public areas included ground floor courtyards, a number of pathways and terraces.

Choosing the product

Products installed: Atria tiles, pedestals, Perimeta planters with integrated benches, ExcelEdge aluminium and steel edging

Application: Ground floor courtyards, pathways and six roof terraces

Extensive edging was required for the courtyards to delineate hard and soft landscapes. During a site visit, BAM asked us to also supply planters, benches, tiles and accessories for the terraces. This required a full supply and install package. 

Two 80m long walkways were lined with 1.2 x 0.6m Atria tiles. One of the walkways was built on top of extensive mechanical and electrical pipework (M&E) so a bespoke steel pipe cover system was needed to support the tiles.

Atria beige tiles were also used on four of the terraces to surround CorTen steel Planterline bespoke planters with inset iroko timber seating.

Managing the installation

Due to the scale of the scheme and the volume of our products required, we adopted a proactive approach to coordinating delivery schedules and conducting regular site visits to ensure our products were installed to a high standard.

Overcoming the challenges

The particular challenges for this project included:
Complex walkways – Building tiled paths on top of services made it a more difficult landscape and the terrazzo originally specified was not strong enough. We designed and supplied the bespoke steel support system and also provided the porcelain tiles.
End-to-end solution required – With many elements required on-site, the client wanted us to supply as many products for the terrace as possible. As well as providing full delivery of the terrace areas, we also worked with BAM to provide the installation team with detailed product information, datasheets and install guides to ensure a streamlined construction process.

The end result

Phase one has seen a new modern local centre, Eddington, at the heart of the site. Residents can enjoy the open space lined with shopping opportunities, facilities and seating areas while also benefiting from homes built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5. The largest capital investment that Cambridge University has undertaken, this is a development for both the university and residents to be proud of.

Why Kinley?

BAM appreciated our support right from the early stages with technical queries, in particular for the areas where tiles would sit on top of M&E services. Our willingness to work with our client to solve challenges and our ability to provide an end-to-end solution where required made us the perfect choice for this project. In addition, the development needed robust edging suitable for high traffic areas. AluExcel edging not only fits this specification but is also low maintenance and enhances the contemporary design of the development.