Waugh Thistleton Architects

This high quality student housing project marks a transitional gateway site between Brighton and Lewes. Constructed from lightweight prefabricated timber wall sections and CLT slabs and core, it took under 12 months to complete.

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APPROACH

The restricted site lent itself to an offsite solution with poor access and little site storage necessitating an innovative approach. Lightweight prefabricated timber wall sections were used alongside CLT core and floor slabs. These offsite manufactured elements arrived on site complete with wiring, windows, external insulation and vapour barriers installed, facilitating immediate assembly. The brick reveals across the façade were also made offsite.

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DESIGN

The contemporary architecture is carefully designed to reflect its seaside town context, moderating between the historic Regency style architecture of Brighton’s centre to the south and the modernist university campus to the north.

Sculpted windows in alternate patterns draw light into the student suites, situated around the perimeter of the building, and animate the façade. The accommodation also features an outdoor terrace and double height internal communal spaces.

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RESULT

The predictability and speed of construction made possible by the use of prefabricated elements ensured that the building was completed to a tight twelve month programme in time for the academic year.

The building challenges the preconceptions many people hold about prefabricated architecture. The building form is curved in plan with a sculpted facade, yet is constructed with a series of carefully designed prefabricated elements. Lewes Road demonstrates how the balance between good quality materials, simple refined detailing and modern methods of construction can deliver attractive, robust buildings.

The project elevates the civic presence of Brighton’s student housing, and turns the once derelict site into a defining visual entry point for the dynamic university town.

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