The Convent Boarding Houses
Brighton College
Brighton College is continuing to develop in response to its growing pupil population. Opposite its main campus in Brighton, the historic late 19th century Walpole Lodge, which was formerly used as a Convent, is being carefully restored and transformed into a boarding house. A new contemporary "twin" boarding house complements the reinstated Lodge, whilst neighbouring terraced buildings are converted into staff accommodation. Surrounding gardens address the challenging site topography and draw inspiration from the character and richness of the original Villa landscapes.
Following the success of the Brighton College Performing Arts Centre, NHA is working closely with the College, KRFT as the design architect, and the wider team to deliver this fantastic project from Stage 4 through to completion.
Images courtesy of © krft architects and © Bradley-Hole Schoenaich Landscape
The existing site comprises of a Victorian Villa and Chapel, that was erected as a Convent in the late 19th century. The site was used as a boarding house by the Convent of the Blessed Sacrament before becoming part of the College. A series of 20th century extensions naturally developed as the Prep School expanded. In its current state, the later ad-hoc additions are incoherent and unsuitable for specialist teaching due to the physical constraints, whilst detracting from the architectural ambition of the original Villa and Chapel buildings. The proposal seeks to carefully remove these later additions to reveal and reinstate the external fabric of the Villa.
The reorganisation of the site reinstates the prominence of such historic buildings, whilst the spaces found between are revived as gardens, to enhance the well-being of pupils and staff in nature.
Architectural ambition
Through its architectural design, the contemporary boarding house sensitively reflects the character and appearance of the surrounding historic environment. It is well situated in terms of urban grain, scale and materiality, whilst appearing visually distinct through the facade's rhythm and materiality, which comprises of traditional knapped flint and contemporary brickwork.
Both boarding houses aim to be an example to future generations of how to deal with our planet’s urgencies. As part of Brighton College’s sustainability objectives, the project aims for a minimal carbon footprint by aiming high in the application of bio-based and circular materials. Aside from embodied carbon, operational emissions are reduced by applying passive energy strategies. Retaining the existing external fabric of the heritage Villa will also contribute to the targeted BREEAM Excellent rating.
Our Team
- Robert Arthur
- Andrew Hays
- James Taylor
- Philip Springall
- Gabrielle Lewis
- Naomi Powell
- Katie King
- Yun Wan
- Nina Anderson
Project Team
- Client: Brighton College
- Architects: KRFT
- Interior Design: Davies Baron
- Landscape Architect: Bradley-Hole Schoenaich
- Structural Engineers: Campbell Reith
- Services Consultants: Skelly & Couch
- Fire Consultant: The Fire Surgery
- BREEAM Assessor: Eight Versa