The City University marble project involved supplying made-to-measure surfaces for 55 student accommodation bathrooms in Clerkenwell, London. Specifically, MKW provided polished Bering technical marble for cistern tops and shelves, using a 20 mm thickness and eased top and bottom edges.
Furthermore, this historical case study formed part of a £2.4 million refurbishment connected with a wider £130 million City University of London investment programme between 2013 and 2016. As a result, the project demonstrates how consistent patterning and carefully specified edge details can support a coordinated multi-unit interior.
City University of London main building.
City University marble project at a glance
- Project type: student accommodation bathrooms
- Location: Clerkenwell, London
- Scope: stone pieces for 55 bathrooms
- Applications: cistern tops and bathroom shelves
- Specified surface: Bering technical marble
- Finish: polished
- Thickness: 20 mm
- Edge detail: eased top and bottom edges
The project related to the Pure City accommodation centre, which opened in September 2014. At that time, the facility promoted features including 4K televisions and gaming. In addition, it stood approximately seven minutes on foot from the university’s main Northampton Square site and around 11 minutes from what was then Cass Business School.
Project render by Plowman Craven, which carried out the measurement survey.
Accommodation layouts and bathroom requirements
The building incorporated several accommodation formats, including studios, rooms for couples, two-bedroom flats, premium and superior flats, and penthouses. Consequently, the bathroom pieces needed to suit more than one room layout while maintaining a coherent visual scheme.
Floor plans showing two student accommodation layouts.
However, a multi-unit project requires more than an attractive surface. For example, the project team must coordinate measurements, piece schedules, room references and edge details. Therefore, clear documentation helps each fabricated component reach the correct bathroom and fit its intended position.
Bering technical marble for the bathroom surfaces
The specification called for Bering, described in the original project records as a Spanish technical marble. Moreover, the team supplied it with a polished finish at a thickness of 20 mm.
Bering technical marble.
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For this City University marble project, the principal design benefit was visual consistency. In particular, technical marble offered more uniform veining and patterning across the 55 bathrooms than the variation normally expected from natural marble or granite.
That distinction matters on larger developments. On the one hand, natural stone has individual markings, tonal changes and pattern movement, which many clients value. On the other hand, a scheme that prioritises close visual repetition may benefit from a more uniform material.
Therefore, anyone comparing materials for a current scheme can review MKW’s guide to choosing the right surface material. Ultimately, the final choice should reflect the application, desired appearance, maintenance expectations and project specification.
Cistern tops, shelves and eased edges
MKW supplied marble pieces for cistern tops and shelves in all 55 bathrooms. Although these elements were relatively compact, they carried the same finish through the development without overwhelming the modern interiors.
In addition, the fabricators applied an eased profile to the top and bottom edges. This detail softens the sharp appearance of a square edge while retaining a clean, understated outline. Moreover, using one agreed profile across repeated components supports a consistent result.
Why consistency mattered across 55 bathrooms
Repeated rooms place particular demands on measurement, fabrication and installation planning. Even when bathrooms appear similar, dimensions and site conditions can vary. Therefore, accurate surveys and unambiguous piece identification remain essential.
Material consistency also influences the finished scheme. In this case, the restrained pattern of the specified technical marble complemented the building’s modern look. Meanwhile, the polished finish and eased edges gave the cistern tops and shelves a neat architectural character.
For developers, architects and interior designers, early coordination can reduce avoidable uncertainty. For instance, drawings should identify dimensions, visible edges, cut-outs, junctions and the intended finish. In addition, the project team should agree who will approve templates and final details before fabrication begins.
Accordingly, MKW can assess drawings and project requirements when preparing a quotation for a comparable residential or accommodation development.
Historical context for the accommodation
At the time of the project, Pure City also offered 24-hour CCTV, an in-house security team and laundry facilities. However, these details provide historical context, and services or building arrangements may have changed since the accommodation opened.
The development’s Clerkenwell position placed it within walking distance of the Northampton Square campus and the business school site. Furthermore, it provided access to the wider university area.
Nearby destinations included the Barbican Centre and the restaurants, bars and pubs of Farringdon and Shoreditch. Nevertheless, these location details describe the development in its original project context rather than confirming current accommodation availability.
The area had extensive bus and Underground connections, while its Zone 1 location provided links to other parts of London. Consequently, this central setting added practical value for students using different university facilities.
Planning a similar bathroom stone project
The City University marble project demonstrates the importance of matching material character to the scale of a scheme. For example, a single natural stone slab may offer distinctive movement, whereas multiple rooms may call for closer pattern continuity. However, neither approach suits every brief.
Before requesting a quotation, a project team should prepare the available plans, room quantities, approximate dimensions, finish preference and edge requirements. Furthermore, it should identify any repeated layouts and note where pieces differ. As a result, the initial assessment can focus on the actual fabrication scope.
Information that supports an accurate assessment
First, drawings should show the intended position and dimensions of each component. Next, the specification should identify the required material, finish and visible edges. Finally, the room schedule should distinguish standard layouts from any variations.
Where possible, the project team should also identify cut-outs, wall junctions and access considerations. Consequently, fabricators can review the proposal with a clearer understanding of the intended result. Nevertheless, the final process will depend on the site, drawings and agreed project responsibilities.
Those considering a natural alternative can explore the practical reasons for choosing marble worktops and surfaces. Alternatively, marble-inspired composite materials may suit schemes that favour a more controlled pattern.
City University marble project FAQs
What did MKW supply for the project?
MKW supplied stone cistern tops and shelves for 55 student accommodation bathrooms. Specifically, the pieces formed part of the coordinated bathroom finishes.
Which material did the specification use?
The documented specification named Bering technical marble in a polished finish. In addition, the pieces had a stated thickness of 20 mm.
Why was technical marble suitable for the scheme?
Its comparatively uniform veining and pattern helped create a coordinated appearance across numerous bathrooms. By contrast, natural marble and granite normally show more individual variation.
Which edge profile did the bathroom pieces have?
The supplied pieces featured eased top and bottom edges. As a result, this detail produced a simple profile suited to the modern interior.
Can MKW quote for multi-unit bathroom surfaces?
Yes. Initially, developers, architects and designers can provide drawings, quantities and specification details for assessment. Subsequently, MKW can review the documented fabrication requirements and discuss the next steps. MKW specialistsMy Kitchen Worktop specialists supply marble and granite for apartment developments and other projects. To discuss a quotation, contact the team or call 0203 0788912.
