Vision Arch Secures Two Landmark Projects in Southampton & Westminster

Eddie Wells

Written by Eddie Wells

Arch news

Vision Arch is proud to announce the award of two significant new projects that further strengthen our position as a leading façade specialist in the UK construction industry. These appointments, at the University of Southampton and The Smith in Westminster, reflect our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, technically advanced façade solutions for transformative developments across education, research, and commercial sectors.
 

University of Southampton: A New Centre for Learning and Research

Appointed by Kier Group (Construction Southern), Vision Arch will deliver a significant façade package for the University of Southampton’s new landmark building, designed by Sheppard Robson. The design incorporates bronze anodised curtain walling, cladding, louvres, and feature entrances, all contributing to a bold and contemporary architectural expression.

Working in close collaboration with Decomo, part of the glazing package will be prefabricated in Belgium, highlighting the international coordination and technical expertise underpinning this project.

Situated at the prominent corner of Burgess Road and Broadlands Road, the five-storey building will provide students and staff with an inspiring new space featuring state-of-the-art teaching and study facilities, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, social and wellbeing areas, café, and active-travel amenities. It will also become the new home of the University’s Primary Care Research Centre, internationally recognised for its patient-centred research and impact.

Scheduled for completion in autumn 2027, the development forms a central part of the University’s broader rejuvenation programme, creating world-class environments that support education and innovation. We are proud to contribute our façade expertise to a building that will enrich the student experience and support ground-breaking research for years to come.
 

The Smith, Westminster: Historic Character, Future-Ready Design

Vision Arch has been appointed by Skanska to deliver façade, atrium and rooflight works at The Smith, Westminster, a landmark redevelopment by Old Park Lane Management (OPLM) in central London.

Our package includes the design, supply, and installation of advanced rooflight systems using Raico glazing and Schüco FWS60SG, alongside Jansen Viss E190 fire-rated atrium curtain walling and Janisol doors. These elements will be complemented by a robust aluminium rainscreen system, enriched with striking copper and zinc finishes that echo the building’s crafted architectural character.

Led by Make Architects, the redevelopment blends careful heritage restoration with cutting-edge sustainability. While delivering over 126,000 sq ft of premium office space, the project also involves the meticulous reconstruction of the building’s original early-20th-century stone façade, preserving its historic identity.

With ambitious targets including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, and Design for Performance 5*, The Smith is set to become one of Westminster’s most sustainable workplace destinations. We look forward to working closely with the project team to help realise this remarkable vision.

 

With projects like the University of Southampton and The Smith, Vision Arch continues to shape innovative and inspiring environments across education, research, and commercial sectors. Stay tuned for updates as we bring these landmark buildings to life. Visit Our Works page to explore more of our projects.