Tŷ Pont Haearn (Iron Bridge House) is one of the most recognisable high‑rise residential buildings in the Welsh capital. Also branded as Liberty Bridge Cardiff by Liberty Living, this 21‑storey tower serves as both an architectural feature of the central skyline and a purpose‑built modern student residence. It combines practicality, striking design, and convenient urban positioning within walking distance of major universities and transport hubs.
Completed in 2005, the building rises gracefully above Pellett Street, housing over 640 students across 144 shared apartments, all built around open communal spaces. Below these living areas sits a four‑storey car park, maximising land use within Cardiff’s compact city core. Its height and distinctive design make it one of Cardiff’s tallest structures, symbolising a new age of urban student accommodation.
Tŷ Pont Haearn – Development
Plans for the project were approved in 2003, with construction beginning the following year. The main contractor, Carillion, faced a technically challenging urban site—a narrow triangular plot bordered by active railway lines and limited street access. Intensive groundwork was necessary due to the plot’s history as a demolished cold‑storage facility with an underground basement that needed full preparation before foundation work.
Despite these limitations, innovative planning allowed for on‑schedule completion in September 2005. The project’s success made it one of the model examples of modern mixed‑use student housing in Wales, balancing architectural ambition with strict safety and efficiency standards.
Tŷ Pont Haearn – Structure and Design
The building was constructed on piled foundations using traditional reinforced concrete rather than modular systems due to site constraints. The team developed expertise with each repetitive floor, improving speed and precision across the 17 accommodation levels. The repetitive vertical design not only simplified construction logistics but also enhanced sound insulation and structural consistency over the entire tower.
During development, subcontractor Baris Interiors installed over 50,000 m² of high‑performance plasterboard systems supplied by Knauf. These included Soundshield panels for superior acoustic separation, Moistureshield boards for wet areas, and Shaftwall solutions for stairwells and elevator cores. This attention to acoustic and environmental performance helped the building achieve strong reliability ratings for comfort and durability.
Tŷ Pont Haearn – Completion and Accommodation
The project was delivered on time, enabling students to move in two days ahead of schedule for the academic year. Each apartment cluster typically houses between three and six students, with shared kitchens, living spaces, and full broadband access. In total, 629 students occupy single study bedrooms, while the remainder enjoy upgraded studios with added privacy and city views.
Amenities include on‑site laundry facilities, cycle storage, and a social common area equipped with vending machines and high‑speed internet. Security and comfort are ensured through 24‑hour staffing, CCTV coverage, and electronic access systems. The property is fully accessible, featuring wheelchair‑friendly design and lift access to every level.
Tŷ Pont Haearn – Location and Connectivity
Situated in Cardiff’s city centre on Pellett Street, the residence sits close to major educational institutions such as Cardiff University, the University of South Wales Atrium, and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Its central position places students within a short walk of Cardiff Central Station, St David’s shopping area, and the Utilita Arena, enhancing both convenience and lifestyle.
Tŷ Pont Haearn’s strategic accessibility from Junction 29 of the M4 Motorway and its proximity to public transport make it particularly attractive to students who balance academics with part‑time city employment or weekend travel. The complex accommodates a large share of University of South Wales Atrium students, who benefit from its location directly opposite the campus.
More than just accommodation, Tŷ Pont Haearn represents Cardiff’s continuing investment in sustainable, well‑designed city living. Its scale, amenities, and emphasis on community engagement mark it as an integral component of the city’s skyline and student life.
Tŷ Pont Haearn – Cardiff’s Modern Residential Landmark
