Evans by Shay Murtagh were appointed by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine to design and supply bespoke architectural precast elements for the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
Working closely with landscape architects Grant Associates during the early-stage design development, the team delivered approximately 70 architectural precast units forming seating planters within the main entrance squares of the new TQA1 development.
The project forms part of the University of Bristol’s major Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a 38,000m² development designed to bring together students, researchers, businesses and the wider community. The campus opened to students in September 2026.
The architectural precast elements needed to fulfil both a practical and aesthetic role within the campus landscape.
The seating planters were designed as prominent features within the main entrance squares, meaning the precast units needed to complement the wider architectural and landscape design while providing a durable, high-quality finish suitable for a busy university environment.
Early collaboration with the landscape architects was an important part of developing the solution, allowing the precast elements to be considered as an integral part of the overall landscape design.
The Solution
Evans by Shay Murtagh designed and supplied approximately 70 bespoke architectural precast units for the project.
The units were manufactured using a bespoke architectural concrete mix, incorporating carefully selected limestone and Spanish dolomite aggregates.
To achieve the required aesthetic, the units were given an etched finish, exposing the aggregate and creating a distinctive textured appearance that complements the surrounding landscape and architecture.
The result is a series of robust, carefully detailed precast elements that combine functionality with a strong architectural finish.
Collaboration & Delivery
The project required close coordination between the design, construction and precast teams, with Evans by Shay Murtagh working alongside Grant Associates, Sir Robert McAlpine and the wider project team.
Early involvement in the design development helped ensure that the architectural precast solution could meet the project’s aesthetic requirements while remaining practical to manufacture and deliver.
The Result
The completed seating planters form part of the arrival experience at the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, contributing to the public landscape and creating functional spaces for students and visitors.
The wider campus represents a significant development for the University and the city of Bristol, providing facilities for around 4,500 students, 650 staff, industry and community partners.
For Evans by Shay Murtagh, the project demonstrates the value of combining architectural precast expertise, early-stage collaboration and bespoke manufacturing to deliver elements that are both functional and visually distinctive.
Project at a Glance
Client: University of Bristol
Main Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
Landscape Architect: Grant Associates
Precast Contractor: Evans by Shay Murtagh
Scope: Design and supply of architectural precast seating planters
Quantity: Approximately 70 units
Finish: Etched exposed aggregate
Aggregate: Limestone and Spanish dolomite
Location: Temple Quarter, Bristol
Opened: September 2026
