Jubilee Building, University of Sussex
At the heart of the Falmer Campus this 8,000 sqm landmark new building is a major addition to the University’s estate. Including a 500 seat lecture theatre, the largest on campus, and a mix of teaching and social spaces, there is benefit for both staff and students.
University of Sussex
Architect
ADP Architects LLP
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Quantity Surveyor
Northcroft
Our brief was to make the architectural vision a reality, and deliver a stunning façade, whilst designing out the risk and ensuring baseline façade performance was achieved across all aspects.
Working alongside the architect and client team, we assisted in exploring options for the multiple finishes and materials which are incorporated into the curtain walling, including some complex glass fritting patterns.
The 72m long building was designed in two wings running the full length of the building, connected by a central atrium space. A concrete frame construction was utilised with post tensioned slabs which dictated early design involvement was required and we were engaged to assist in the setting out of the fixing points and connection details with the frame.
Once this was determined, the main facades were designed and constructed from a conventional stick curtain wall system. Glazed into the curtain walling was a complex variation of fritted and back-painted high performance glass units, solid panel zones, bronze spandrel banding, louvres and overclad actuated vents linked back to the building’s BMS system. Complementing this textured finish, a series of vertical, bronze anodised, expanded mesh shading panels were installed in a staggered pattern down both full lengths of the façade.
Other areas of work including stick curtain walling to either end of the building and main entrance area incorporating revolving doorsets, curved rooflights and roof glazing, and architectural cladding and metalwork to finish off areas of interface.
We took full responsibility for the total façade and all the key interfaces, and were able to significantly influence the success of the project, delivering a quality façade at the centrepiece of the campus.
