Innovative facade solutions at Crown Place Birmingham

Hansen is proud to be the facade partner for Crown Place Birmingham, a groundbreaking 33-storey Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project in the heart of Birmingham. Appointed by Winvic Construction, we have supplied and installed our unitized prefabricated facades that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building but also significantly improve the on-site efficiency and safety of the on-site workforce over traditional methods.

Unitized prefabricated facade system

The Crown Place Birmingham project, developed for Crown Student Living and designed by ECE Westworks, features a cutting-edge facade solution. 
Hansen has produced and delivered the unitized prefabricated facade system, which spans from Level 2 to 32 in a striking brick cladding finish. 

Our unitised façade system successfully passed the CWCT Sequence B Initial Type Test at UL in Telford, assessing air permeability, water tightness, wind resistance (both serviceability and safety), and impact resistance (soft and hard body impact). The system also met the project’s specific energy model, acoustic, and fire safety requirements.

Advantages of the unitized system

The decision to use a factory-manufactured unitized facade was driven by the project's spatial constraints and the need for rapid installation. 

Furthermore, our system offers two unique advantages over other façade solutions:

• Ability to Accommodate Building Movement and Tolerances
  Our façade units are designed with rubber seals between panels, ensuring a flexible structure capable of withstanding building movements—an especially valuable feature in high-rise construction.
   

• Lighter Weight Compared to Traditional Walls and Timber Elements
  This reduces the load on the building’s structure, enabling a lighter structural frame, which results in both CO₂ savings and reduced superstructure costs.

Additional benefits of using prefabricated façade modules on this project include:

• Rapid Installation
  2,763 external wall panels, complete with pre-installed windows and brickwork, were swiftly mounted, expediting the construction timeline.
   
• Precision Engineering
  Prefabrication in a controlled factory setting ensured high-quality finishes and reduced on-site errors.
   
• Enhanced Safety
  By eliminating the need for scaffolding, worker safety was significantly improved.
   
• Sustainability
  Off-site production minimized construction waste and reduced the environmental impact of on-site work.

Aesthetic and functional excellence

The unitized brick facade not only contributes to the performance of the building physics but also provides a timeless and durable finish. Designed to withstand the elements, the facade offers excellent thermal and acoustic performance, ensuring a comfortable living environment for the students.

The innovative facade solutions at Crown Place Birmingham showcase our commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, and sustainable building envelopes. 
Our unitized prefabricated facades have played a crucial role in the successful execution of this landmark project, reinforcing our position as a leader in modern facade engineering. 

As Crown Place Birmingham nears completion in December 2025, we take pride in our contribution to shaping the skyline of Birmingham and enhancing student living experiences.