Bridge Street Exchange

Bridge Street Exchange is a RICS Wales award-winning building (Residential category) and the tallest structure in Cardiff, at 85 metres. Located within a conservation area, it offers student living in one of the city’s most sought-after areas. The 27-storey mixed-use development includes student accommodation comprising 477 bed spaces alongside communal areas, including a feature double-height reception area, two roof gardens, a gym, cinema, laundry and study areas. 

Design and Build contractor Watkin Jones employed Cardiff-based Rio Architects on the project, which features a unitised façade including flat and 3D GRC panels. RICS Wales’ judges noted the innovative nature of the façade, commenting: “The cladding design for the landmark building is an innovative bespoke unitised system, which not only enhances time efficiency for construction, but also improved health and safety implications of working at height.” 

We collaborated closely with façade contractor KFK Croatia to provide proven fire-stopping insulation products. Our cavity barriers and firestops formed part of the curtain walling system, with our CW-FS 120 firestop sealing the horizontal gap between the inside of the façade and the concrete slabs of the building. CW-FS 120 is not only an effective seal against the passage of fire and smoke but also functions as an effective acoustic barrier. 

With this stunning new high-rise student development now complete, we have once again contributed to delivering proven solutions that meet the client’s passive fire protection and noise transfer requirements.