The Digital Life Building—and in particular, its exceptional façade—is a standout example of what can be achieved through true collaboration and partnership in the construction industry. With the full support of the client, Wates single-sourced the façade package to Chemplas during the procurement process. Having such a key supply chain partner engaged early was critical to the project’s success.
Chemplas, working closely with their local supplier AKV, were involved from RIBA Stages 3 and 4, providing valuable expertise across design, installation, logistics, air tightness, safety, and quality. Its input helped inform early decisions, enabling the design to progress efficiently and with confidence.
From the outset, the University envisioned the façade as a bold statement of innovation—reflecting the building’s futuristic, tech-focused, and digital identity. At the same time, it needed to deliver outstanding sustainability performance, contributing to the building’s BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, and a target of less than 750kg/m² of embodied carbon.
Central to that vision was the façade’s ‘veil’—a striking design featuring intricately patterned perforations that symbolise data flow and digital connectivity.
Onsite, Chemplas maintained a collaborative approach. Despite significant logistical challenges due to the constrained site footprint, they worked closely with Wates and other supply chain partners to deliver a seamless installation. Their efforts resulted in the building becoming weathertight four weeks ahead of schedule—an achievement that was key to enabling a timely handover, allowing the University to host early summer graduation ceremonies within the building as planned.
Installed to an exceptionally high standard, the façade and Chemplas performance has been free of any safety, quality, or programme issues.
The finished product is visually striking—shimmering in daylight and glowing at night—and has become a defining feature of both the University campus and the wider town. It also reflects the distinct identity of the North-East.
Wates and Chemplas have received outstanding feedback, and the client is genuinely delighted with the result—one that has exceeded all expectations.
Jill Thompson, Deputy Director, Campus Services, Teeside University, certainly agrees: “Designing the Digital Life veil was a journey that started with a digital concept that evolved into something truly special,” From the beginning the team, the partnership, took the time to understand our vision and translate it into a design that balances aesthetics, durability, buildability and future maintenance. There were moments of reflection with tweaking of colour, materials, holes and dimples up to the very end but it was truly collaborative with the whole team driven in unison to produce something truly magnificent.
“The veil brings the unique building to life and exceeded our expectation. We are proud of the outcome not only on how the building looks but the skills of the whole team that delivered this iconic building to stand on Teesside for decades to come.”