Nelson Place, one of Northern Ireland’s largest student accommodation developments, has utilised Brett Martin’s Glass Link rooflight system above one of the building’s atriums. The rooflight has introduced high levels of natural daylight, a key design requirement, that has played a fundamental role in enhancing student wellbeing, boosting concentration and supporting the project’s wider goal of creating healthy environments for learning and living.
Winner of Commercial Development of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards 2024 and recipient of a highly commended recognition in the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards in December 2025, the 12-storey Nelson Place showcases how thoughtful design and high-performance building solutions can transform educational environments. A key focus was student wellbeing with the building’s design prioritising flexibility, social connection and active use across the recreational spaces. This is shown through the integration of communal lounges, study zones and Ulster University’s state-of-the-arts sports centre.
With its blend of red brick, metal cladding and glass, the building establishes a lively and visually striking presence along the street. Brett Martin’s 20 fixed module Glass Link rooflight system was selected by the architectural team at Fletcher Joseph after being recommended by the project’s contractor. The aim was to complement the building’s overall design, whilst introducing natural daylight above the atrium, which connects the communal area and sports centre.
Sandy Deans, Associate Director at Fletcher Joseph, commented: “This was our first time working with Brett Martin products and we were highly impressed with both the finish and the overall success of the atrium, which has received excellent feedback. The product’s performance, durability and adaptability allowed us to create naturally lit communal circulation spaces while preserving the architectural clarity of the central atrium.”
Manufactured to specific requirements and easy to fit on both new build and refurbishment projects, Brett Martin’s Glass Link rooflight allows daylight to flood internal spaces below. Available in special glass options, including solar control, tinted, obscure and self-cleaning, the rooflight offers the ideal solution for commercial projects, including educational applications.
Matthew Wilson, Senior Operations Manager of Student Roost Nelson Street, stated: “We are really impressed with the finish of the Brett Martin Glass Link installed in the Nelson Place complex. The rooflight not only fills our core spaces with natural daylight, which would otherwise be inaccessible to sunlight, but it has also enhanced the building’s architectural appeal and increased student wellbeing.”
Nelson Place has achieved an EPC A rating and BREEAM Very Good certification.
For more information visit brettmartin.com
