Brighton College


Location
: Brighton, East Sussex
Sector: Education

The Brief

Brighton College, recognised as the UK’s leading co-educational independent school and named School of the Decade by The Sunday Times, required a high-quality joinery scheme that reflected its reputation for both academic excellence and architectural ambition.The project centred around a new atrium staircase and a series of classroom ceiling installations.

The brief called for bespoke joinery that would integrate seamlessly with the building’s structure, while delivering a refined aesthetic, strong acoustic performance, and full compliance with fire safety requirements.

All elements needed to be precisely engineered to work with existing structural components, particularly the spiral metal stair frame, and to maintain consistency across the wider architectural scheme.
Products & Installation
  • Bespoke solid oak atrium staircase components
  • Curved oak handrails
  • Oak apron linings
  • Oak balustrades
  • Veneered oak stair treads
  • Veneered oak landings
  • Oak-veneered acoustic ceiling panels
  • Slotted acoustic panels with specialist fabric backing
  • Bespoke curved ceiling panels formed to custom radii
  • Oak-veneered, fire-resistant solar shading units for rooflights
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Abstract wavy lines gradient in yellow and orange on a soft blue-gray background.Blurred green surface with horizontal lines and a light gradient background.Website pricing page with two plans: Starter Plan at $499/month and Premium Plan at $699/month, showing features and a toggle for Monthly and Yearly billing.Webpage titled 'From Idea to Reality: The Product Development Explained' with sections on Ideation and Market Research under soft pastel abstract image.Abstract background with vertical soft wavy lines in pale green and beige tones.Website blog page featuring large 'Blogs' text, navigation menu, and previews of blog posts with abstract images and titles about design and development.Website blog page featuring large 'Blogs' text, navigation menu, and previews of blog posts with abstract images and titles about design and development.Website blog page featuring large 'Blogs' text, navigation menu, and previews of blog posts with abstract images and titles about design and development.

The Result

The completed scheme delivers a warm, refined architectural centrepiece that enhances both circulation and learning environments within the college.

The solid oak staircase integrates seamlessly with the existing spiral steel structure, combining precise engineering with the natural character of timber to create a striking focal point within the atrium.

In the classrooms, slotted oak-veneered ceiling panels improve acoustic performance while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Bespoke curved panels and modular solar shading elements ensure consistency across the space, while meeting strict fire and safety requirements.

Together, the installations demonstrate how carefully engineered joinery can support both performance and design intent, creating spaces that are functional, safe, and expressive of Brighton College’s architectural ambition.