Project overview
Skinner Street is a 30-storey residential tower in Leeds city centre comprising approximately 400 apartments. Designed by Leach Rhodes Walker Architects and delivered by Keady Construction, it stands as one of the most technically ambitious brick-clad high-rise developments completed in the UK in recent years.
The building’s curved form was a direct response to its environment. Situated on an exposed westerly frontage on an arterial route into Leeds, the site presented a challenging wind microclimate intensified by prevailing conditions crossing the Pennines. Sweeping curved facades and generous openings were developed to mitigate wind impact, reduce low-pressure vortices on the leeward elevation and improve aerodynamic performance. The architecture was shaped by its environment, and brick was the material that made it buildable.
The design team avoided complex special units throughout. By working within minimum curve radii and using full brick reveals for facade modelling, they achieved the illusion of continuous flowing curves using standard brick modules, demonstrating that technical ambition and commercial discipline need not be in conflict.
The 800,000 brick facade blends four brick types: 50% Michelmersh Synthesis 01, 40% Wrekin Berkshire, 6% Wrekin Dark Red and 4% Black Smooth. Thirteen different radii were incorporated across the facade, with some varying by as little as 2mm over a two-metre length. Bespoke plastic templates were manufactured to maintain consistency at every level. Bespoke stainless steel non-combustible cavity trays followed the varying curves without sealants, tapes or thermal bridging, mortar was upgraded to M6 to account for elevated wind loadings, and over 3,000 individual quality inspections were recorded using the Onetrace quality management system.
The project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget, a compelling demonstration that clay brick, handled with expertise and design conviction, remains capable of producing architecture of the highest order.
