To create this flagship apartment scheme, northerngroup combined the restored façade and original features of the historic building with three new-build blocks (including an 8-story tower), all built around a stunning central glass atrium. The common areas, as well as each generously-sized apartment, were all constructed with premium fixtures and fittings and great attention to detail.
In planning the Ice Plant, northerngroup’s designers understood that a sophisticated balustrade can be the “crown jewel” in a project, a breathtaking design element that combines safety with style. Their attention to detail therefore included specifying the use of Q-railing’s high-quality glass railing systems both indoors and outdoors for use on the project’s staircases, walkways and balconies.
Recommended White Papers
Because Q-railing’s balustrade are just as modern and contemporary as the other materials used in the scheme, they fit very stylishly into this regeneration project. These railings feature a unique glass channel system that provides extreme transparency and wonderfully unobstructed views – including a panoramic 360 degree view of the city from the balcony of the Ice Plant’s new 2,000+ square foot penthouse apartment.
Specific Q-railing products installed at the Ice Plant include the Easy Glass Top Mount system, used extensively both indoor and outdoor. The tough aluminium base channel was ideal for external use on the private balconies as well as inside in communal areas. Stylish circular 0747 glass adapters were fascia mounted to the outside of the internal staircases to create a modern look and Square shaped caprail was added as handrail to the balustrade throughout to continue this contemporary style.
“We believe,” states northerngroup director Nathan Ezair, “that we have created some of the highest specification – if not the highest specification – apartments in the city centre.”
With the use of Q-railing’s Easy Glass railing system northerngroup was able to balance stunning hardware with transparency, all while meeting the most stringent safety standards. Because all of Q-railing’s systems are extremely easy to install, they proved just as popular with northerngroup’s construction arm as with the design team.
northerngroup will be retaining complete ownership of the Ice Plant buildings and all 82 apartments for rent. Unlike traditional buy-to-let landlords who are more detached from their properties, northerngroup has an in-house team of property managers to ensure that high standards are maintained for all tenants.
Says Ezair: “northerngroup is committed to helping breathe new life into this historic and very charming part of the city. We believe we have a development which we and Manchester can be rightly proud of.”
