Home
News
August 2015
Dandara to create 337 student rooms in Triple Kirks plan B

Dandara to create 337 student rooms in Triple Kirks plan B

August 11 2015

A stalled £20m office development in Aberdeen has been reworked to accommodate 337 student rooms following a rethink by developer Dandara.

The about turn has seen Halliday Fraser Munro retained as architect to redraw its designs by dividing the massing into four separate blocks, terminating with projecting red brick fins and a set-back metal clad upper level.

Gavin Wyley, managing director of Dandara in Aberdeen, said: "Our focus is on securing the future of the former Triple Kirks site, bringing new generations of city centre residents into Aberdeen by creating of the city's premier student accommodation.

“Demand for high quality live/study accommodation in Aberdeen is far outstripped by supply - we hope to address some of that imbalance through the regeneration of the site."

At ground level space will be provided for a coffee shop and area of external seating overlooking Schoolhill, with shared terraces also provided for the use of students.

8 Comments

#1 Posted by FHM on 11 Aug 2015 at 13:12 PM

It's not often I am left speechless, but WOW! This has to be the best and most unique new building in Aberdeen. Once again the Architect's have left an impression of understanding the local context through ignoring it and creating a design so full of wonder, craftsmanship and detailing that suits it's foolishly listed site (I mean, knock that tower down, it's just in the way!). To enclose the A-listed tower with brick fins is just awe inspiring and these will no doubt frame the view to Union Terrace Gardens whose development is now just crying out to happen.

#2 Posted by Ibis on 11 Aug 2015 at 16:30 PM

All joking aside, this is a fairly terrifying looking proposal.

#3 Posted by Jon on 11 Aug 2015 at 17:42 PM

Urban Realm,

Is it possible to nominate a building for a Carbuncle Award before it has actually been built? Because this will surely be getting Gold, Silver, Bronze and the Special Mention when it’s completed, so we might as well not prolong the inevitable and award it now….

Also, can we have a new category for Worst Architect - think Aberdeen has one or two for nomination...

#4 Posted by Jerry on 12 Aug 2015 at 09:34 AM

Can I second #3 on both suggestions?

Having been a student in halls not far from this site (woolmanhill) I can say the location is amazing in terms of bars/clubs/takeaways etc near by. And new options for halls will only be welcomed by students.
However this is about the only positive I can draw from this horrendous use of a space with great history for the city, not to mention the huge potential for the future it has if thought about properly.
It looked awful as an office scheme previously and now they've made it even worse ...which I suppose should be commended.
Standard Aberdeen planners - more concerned with scratching the backs of their favourite developers than anything that remotely enhances the city.

#5 Posted by Urban Realm on 12 Aug 2015 at 10:55 AM

Hi Jon, you can nominate a building for a Pock Mark Award if it has obtained planning.
http://www.urbanrealm.com/carbuncles

#6 Posted by Cadmonkey on 12 Aug 2015 at 11:04 AM

Is this not a classic example of a project that should be designed in the style of the original church, rather than deliberately contrasting and clashing. I bet my sensible logical suggestion hadn't even been considered.