A Professional-Grade Performance Venue for a leading educational Institution

A new building housing practice rooms and a high-spec 195-seat recital hall. Sustainable design includes a fabric-first approach, MVHR, and a low-carbon water source heat pump link to a site wide borehole system. RIBA South East Award 2017 winner. BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated.

Situated within Brighton College, the Music School is the initial phase of a broader performing arts hub. Supporting over 25 ensembles and 70+ concerts, competitions, and events annually, the facility features a recital room with adjustable wall-mounted panels to fine-tune acoustics for different genres. Externally, the roof distinctive tile pattern references musical notation, natural forms, and the sky. Internally, the ceiling enhances acoustics and thermal insulation. Situated within Brighton College, the Music School is the initial phase of a broader performing arts hub. Supporting over 25 ensembles and 70+ concerts, competitions, and events annually, the facility features a recital room with adjustable wall-mounted panels to fine-tune acoustics for different genres. Externally, the roof distinctive tile pattern references musical notation, natural forms, and the sky. Internally, the ceiling enhances acoustics and thermal insulation. 

Skelly & Couch delivered full MEP design, infrastructure upgrades, and a site-wide energy masterplan. A phased approach minimised disruption on the live historic site. The project met complex technical demands while achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings.

A fabric-first approach reduced energy use through high thermal performance and airtightness. Where suitable, thermal mass and natural ventilation regulate internal temperatures. Daylight and solar studies ensured bright, comfortable interiors using large north-facing windows, external canopies, and well-placed openings to avoid glare and overheating. Below ground, a survey of existing installations informed a strategic drainage solution that redirects runoff into a new soakaway, minimising impact on local public infrastructure.

An MVHR system maintains air quality, reduces heat loss, and meets acoustic standards through carefully routed ducts. Skelly & Couch also supported the fire strategy with M&E input, enabling a fully coordinated system. Smart lighting and zoned controls enhance occupant comfort while the centralised, high-efficiency plant room and a water source heat pump for low-carbon heating and cooling play a key role in supporting carbon reduction and long-term optimisation.

As part of the broader energy strategy for an evolving campus, an open-loop borehole network was developed to support the water source heat pump system designed to serve the Music School as well as future buildings on this side of the campus. Skelly & Couch evaluated options and provided a detailed analysis of carbon savings and payback periods as additional buildings connected to the network.

While early irrigation borehole tests confirmed groundwater presence, further investigations were necessary to verify the site’s capacity for sustainable heating and cooling. Four buildings are now connected, delivering substantial CO₂ annual savings and demonstrating the tangible environmental value of this approach.

Lauded for its sustainable design, the Music School supports the development of musical talent while laying the foundation for low carbon, future-proof infrastructure across the campus. Following its success, Skelly & Couch were appointed to the College’s new Science & Sports Centre and Drama Building.* Shortlisted for a 2017 RIBA South East Award.*