Case Study

Brighton MET Phase 2

PELHAM CAMPUS, Brighton City CENTRE

 

CCG Chichester College Group has invested £15m in the regeneration of the Brighton Metropolitan College campus, with a Phase 1 newbuild extension and Phase 2 refurb.

Brighton Met Phase 2 comprises the over-cladding of a 9-storey tower with new curtain wall and rainscreen system, improving the environmental and thermal performance. The external brick and original windows were removed, with just part of the facade retained.

Apart from the curtain walling, the new facade is largely clad in Equitone Natura Autumn Dusk fibre cement panels, inset with a striking circular illuminated portal inspired by the architectural details of two nearby churches.  The portal is clad in diagonal LineAL-X aluminium extruded plank in Signal White Wood, white opaque wood paint with a faint touch of grey and a satin finish, a strong pure white that stands out.  

ECE Architecture calculated that retaining the sub- and superstructure saved 2,650tn of carbon, reducing total emissions by the equivalent of heating 980 homes a year. Operational carbon has been reduced with energy efficiency measures (details below).

Brighton MET was a Regional Finalist for a Civic Trust Award and Finalist in the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards for Delivering Value, see video.

Willmott Dixon (Crawley)

A²O have been a key partner in transforming Pelham Tower from an old, tired block into a landmark building.

The single biggest challenge of this site was logistics and A²O did an incredible job. Given highly restricted storage space in the city centre site, throughout preconstruction they worked very closely with us, planning the right strategy, equipment and resourcing.

Only through true collaboration with the college, designers and install teams could this project be achieved whilst the college remained live to students, losing no teaching time during the works.

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Joe Conway
Senior Operations Manager

Challenges

The biggest challenge on this live, city centre site was the logisitics. With highly restricted unloading and storage space, meticulous planning of lifting materials to work areas was needed from Day One.

Materials storage was restricted to just 15m of pavement and a limited area on a scaffold gantry. 

Cladding panels, glazing, subgrid and fixings had to be lifted with hoist, winch and mast climbers to the correct levels, just-in-time for installation.

The client required significant improvements in energy efficiency and lower running costs.  A complete re-design of the building envelope, with a fabric-first approach and improved ventilation, was needed to reduce overheating and energy demand. 

The facade design and calculations were based on “as built” drawings. Only once the original bricks and windows were removed, the existing structure was uncovered and accessible.

The student accommodation had to be completed on time in readiness for the new academic year. 

The client wanted a stand-out result, transforming the old block into a net gain to the city centre and the local community.

 

 

 

 

Solutions

With early engagement A²O supported the scheme’s feasibility throughout pre-construction, ensuring that the mast climber, nico rail and scaffolding were sufficient for the programme. 

A²O organised Just-in-Time deliveries, all requiring HIABs and a full-time traffic marshall.

2-4 labourers were fully employed in lifting materials, increasing to 8 for the glazing install. All curtain wall components had to be installed in situ.

Operational carbon has been optimised through energy efficiency measures including wall and roof insulation and new glazing. The project team achieved up to a 40% reduction in running costs and a reduction in gas consumption by 33%.

Due to dimensional discrepancies of the structure from the as-built drawings, A²O promptly made design and site adjusts. Site pull tests were carried out for the existing concrete.

Despite third party access issues and material delays, the project was completed in August. 

Multiple custom-sized planks had to fit the circular, night-lit portal perfectly, creating the focal centre of a spectacular new landmark. 

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