
The Trilogy is an attractive large build-to-rent development located on a key gateway site in the emerging Castlefield area of Manchester. Built by Graham Construction, and designed in collaboration with AEW Architects for client Glenbrook, the 1-acre site is playing a leading role in the urban regeneration of the city’s Southern Arc district.
The development consists of 232 rental apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms. It also boasts first-class amenities, focused on residents’ health and wellbeing, including a residents’ lounge with dedicated workspaces, a fully equipped gym, and pleasant landscaped communal gardens. It therefore provides contemporary living in a desirable location on the periphery of central Manchester and next to the city’s historic canals. Notably, just 6 months after completion, the occupation rate was 100%.
Designed in collaboration with Manchester City Council, and constructed to the highest standards, The Trilogy is arranged in 3 towers spanning from 8 to 12 storeys, and provides a striking gateway to the city centre. All three modern structures are interlinked through a central hub at ground level, which centres round a landscaped courtyard.
The materials and elevational treatments were determined following extensive site analysis and design development in conjunction with the Council, local residents, and the Places Matter Review Panel. AEW adopted the contemporary use of brick and brick detail and selected the same brick to the exterior of each block to help unify the development. A hierarchy of brick facades was created to acknowledge the significance of Chester Road as a main route into the city centre.
The final result is a mixture of traditional brickwork with relief brickwork details. Expansive sections of projecting brickwork, bespoke curtain walls, and cladding designs also provide visual interest and break up the facades. Meanwhile, deep recessed windows with contrasting splays on the street and garden facing elevations create an eye-catching aesthetic whilst maximising residents’ views of the city.
This gateway site into Manchester demanded a strong architectural response and The Trilogy duly delivers. Ibstock’s Staffordshire Blue Brindle Smooth bricks, extruded bricks with a smooth texture, enhance the development’s modern look whilst responding to the vernacular. Meanwhile, the interiors are filled with light and provide a chic feel, not unlike a high-end boutique hotel.
Sustainability and wellness were also of primary concerns during the design process. The Trilogy therefore incorporates cycle storage, as well as underground car parking, and offers additional electric vehicle and disabled spaces. The aforementioned courtyard also provides a green and relaxing space for residents with raised planters providing a range of seasonal plants and enhancing biodiversity around the buildings.
The overall result is a standout build-to-rent development in an area now brimming with waterfront bars, green spaces, restaurants and galleries. The Trilogy is an important part of this scene. This is why, amongst other reasons, it was awarded the top Build-to-Rent Residential Development in the UK in 2019. It has also been shortlisted for numerous other awards, including the 2020 RICS Social Impact Award.
