Details
Location: Glasgow
Brick Manufacturers: Forterra PLC / Non-UK
Brick Name: Granite Ash / Lindbloem
Architect: jmarchitects
Brickwork Contractors: J Usher Bricklaying / Primext Ltd
About the project
St Andrew’s Drive Phases 2 & 3 delivers 120 high-quality new homes for Southside Housing Association, replacing deteriorating 1960s deck-access slab blocks in Pollokshields, Glasgow. The masterplan reimagines the site as a connected, human-scaled neighbourhood, reflecting the character and scale of the surrounding historic context - predominantly sandstone villas, tree-lined avenues, and generous garden plots.
The development introduces a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom flats, wheelchair-accessible apartments, and 3- and 4-bedroom maisonettes. Buildings range from three to four storeys, referencing the massing of the adjacent built environment. Carefully composed ‘urban villa’ blocks frame new streets and courtyards, creating active frontages and a welcoming public realm. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are integrated into the landscape through kerbside rain gardens, wildflower zones, and a strategy for off-street parking that minimises visual and environmental impact. Infrastructure for future electric vehicle charging is included throughout.
A contemporary take on Glasgow’s tenement typology has been applied to the development’s most prominent corner, forming a shared residents' garden that enhances amenity space while protecting two mature trees and buffering the homes from a busy road junction. This approach improves privacy and acoustic comfort while contributing positively to street character.
Central to the success of the development is the use of clay brick, chosen for its longevity, low maintenance, and inherent material richness. A restrained yet varied palette of clay brick tones has been applied across the different blocks, establishing a sense of continuity while allowing subtle distinction between forms. The bricks provide a robust and tactile façade material that will weather naturally over time, aligning with the longevity and permanence found in the surrounding traditional masonry buildings.
Brick detailing - such as precast lintels, stringer courses, and recessed panels—adds architectural interest and human scale to elevations. These details not only echo the craftsmanship of the local vernacular but also create visual depth and texture, contributing to a calm and coherent streetscape. The warmth and solidity of the clay brick provide a familiar and contextual material presence that supports the project's aim to embed the new homes within the established character of Pollokshields.
The development meets a broad range of standards including Housing for Varying Needs, The Glasgow Standard, Secured by Design (Gold Standard), and Glasgow City Council’s 'Gold Hybrid' sustainability benchmark. All homes benefit from access to green space, natural daylight, and high-quality amenity through features such as private terraces, recessed balconies, and large, glazed openings.
St Andrew’s Drive Phases 2 & 3 represents a thoughtful and sustainable approach to urban regeneration, where careful planning, environmental design, and the considered use of clay brick have combined to create a place that is rooted in its context, resilient in its materiality, and generous in its offer to new residents.
