Residential Development Award

Millers Quay forms part of the Wirral Waters Masterplan, and comprises six 10-storey buildings accommodating 500 apartments. Designed by Howells, the development references the historic Birkenhead Docks, drawing inspiration from colourful metalwork, shipbuilding graphics, and steel-clad warehouses. A strong linear composition and distinctive roof profiles evoke heritage wharf architecture, while carefully orientated building footprints ensure each home has a view of the water and excellent daylighting. 

A critical concern was ensuring visual and technical consistency across the six individual blocks. The façade also had to meet rigorous demands for acoustic attenuation, weather protection, thermal efficiency, ventilation, fire safety, and buildability – without compromising the architectural rhythm defined by deep window reveals, gridded compositions, and a simple material palette. 

The dockside location introduced additional complexity with wind-driven rain and saline air necessitating hardwearing materials. Thermally-broken Schüco aluminium profiles were selected for their durability and marine-grade credentials. The systems specified included Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling on the lower levels, and a comprehensive suite of Schüco windows and doors above, including AWS 70.HI, AWS 75.SI+, and ADS 65 HD Gen2. All the profiles were factory finished with Qualicoat Class 2 coatings. 

Specialist contractor FK Group was responsible for the full envelope design and delivery from RIBA Stage 4 through to post-completion. Its scope included procurement, fabrication, and installation, as well as rainscreen supports, firestopping, and multi-layered weatherproofing. 

In addition to fabrication and installation, FK Group coordinated all the associated ironmongery, provided full operation and maintenance documentation, and participated in commissioning and client handover. Targeting BREEAM Excellent, the scheme employs a fabric first approach complemented by a range of integrated low-carbon technologies. High-performance glazing systems and thermally broken aluminium façades reduce heat loss, while air source heat pumps provide efficient, all-electric heating and hot water solutions. 

The jury felt that the project successfully recaptured the industrial ethos of the area, while also injecting a sense of fun and colour. Special praise was reserved for the skilful use of Schüco systems to deliver high levels of aesthetic and environmental performance in a challenging marine environment.