A “remarkable” retrofit of Brighton’s timber-framed landmark arts centre by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios was named the UK’s best timber building at the recent 2024 Wood Awards ceremony.
Set within historic Regency gardens and adjoining the famous Royal Pavilion, the Grade-I Listed Corn Exchange and Grade-II Listed Studio Theatre buildings have been thoughtfully restored, strengthened and remodelled – revealing a rich timber heritage to visitors fortunate enough to visit.
In addition to a new foyer space and café that considerably improves connection and accessibility, the project saw the painstaking repair and restoration of “the UK’s longest single-span timber frame”, requiring significant engineering talent from the project team.
The construction was completed by R. Durtnell & Sons and Westridge Construction Ltd, with wood supplied by Neil Burke Joinery and Weitzer Parkett. Arup were appointed as structural engineers, while the building services and sustainability consultants were Max Fordham.
By meticulously re-analysing the whole structure, the project team brought the building up to modern design standards with a solution that preserves and enhances the original timber roof – repairing rather than replacing damaged parts.
The matching of old timber with new creates a striking space with an inherent sense of warmth – an ode to the UK’s timber heritage.
“Every aspect of design has been considered within the interior of this building,” affirms Jim Greaves, lead judge of the Wood Awards and Principal of Hopkins Architects.
“The historic roof, stripped bare, sits atop a newly restored interior that recalls the earlier use of the building as a riding school. The building demonstrates that advanced engineering and skilled craftmanship, allied with a sensitive approach to design, can deliver a newly restored and repurposed building fit for the 21st century.”
As the most comprehensive supply chain body for timber in the UK, TDUK is a crucial resource that connects, inspires and supports more than 1500 businesses to “build a better world through wood” For further details of this project, and access to TDUK’s full library of 174 technical case studies, sign up for free on its website.
Client: Brighton & Hove City Council for Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival
Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Civil & Structural Engineer: Arup
Services Engineer: Max Fordham
Quality Surveyor: Jackson Coles
Main Contractor: R. Durtnell & Sons / Westridge Construction Ltd
Wood Supplier: Neil Burke Joinery (NBJ) / Weitzer Parkett
Species: European Oak (Croatia). FSC certified
Photography: ©Richard Chivers
