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Teesside University Bios
Teesside university bios school of health and life sciences exterior 3x2
Lower Mountjoy Teaching and Learning Centre
Durham university mountjoy teaching and learning centre roof and window closeup at night 3x4
Ravelin Sports Centre
Ravelin sports centre university of portsmouth corner facade view into fitness gym 3x4
Sportcampus Zuiderpark
Sportcampus zuiderpark den haag the netherlands looking into courtyard 3x2
Ashton Campus
Ashton campus school tameside students walking along corridor 3x2
Ashton campus school tameside drama class in studio 3x4

This project merged two existing schools to create a 1650-place academy in Greater Manchester. This was part of a strategy to create healthy, successful and sustainable communities. The academy’s sport specialism is celebrated through the creation of a specialised hub, with indoor and outdoor facilities.

The layout features five ‘home bases’—one for each year group, to foster a sense of belonging and progression among students. Each base has its own pastoral and learning areas, centred around a double-height open learning space. They are connected by an ‘internal street’, which opens to shared social and dining spaces.

Education
2011
Tameside, England
Client: Carillion
Beacon of Light
Beacon of light sunderland lit up in red and white stripes 3x2
Beacon of light sunderland central street 3x4

Beacon of Light is a unique sport and education centre. The football-focused facility, located next to Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, provides a vibrant environment for locals to socialise, learn and gain qualifications.

The building stacks a rooftop football barn on top of education and community facilities, maximising external space for revenue-generating 5-a-side pitches. The height of the building establishes it as a beacon, especially in the context of the neighbouring stadium.

Education
2018
Sunderland, England
Client: Foundation of Light
Brian Clarke Academy
Brian clarke academy oldham school brick tower with logo 3x4
Brian clarke academy oldham school communal area 3x2

Located on a constrained site in Oldham, this 1,200-place academy provides a versatile space for learning, playing and socialising. The careful and clever design also maximises space for sports facilities.

The masonry four-storey teaching block contains learning spaces, a generous atrium and admin spaces, centred around a double-height dining hall. This connects with an external courtyard with sports, play and social spaces, which is framed by two metal clad double-height blocks containing the main hall and sports hall. The materials and form of the buildings reference the area’s historic mill buildings.

Education
2023
Oldham, England
Client: Department for Education / Cranmer Education Trust
Charlton School
Charlton school telford looking towards entrance across landscaping 3x2
Charlton school telford students sitting on stair 3x4
Education
2016
Telford, England
Client: Shepherd Construction
Cockburn School
Cockburn school leeds typical classroom 3x2

The redesign of Cockburn School aimed to transform the disparate buildings constructed over 40 years into a new, unified centre for learning, efficiently organised by department. We sought to revive the school in a way that would inspire pride. We constructed a more inviting entrance and transformed the existing courtyard into a space for dining, socialising and performing.

One of the main challenges was completing the necessary work with minimal disruption. We achieved this with a phased approach and detailed timetabling that ensured a safe and functional school always operated. The success of this approach was illustrated by attendance actually increasing during the construction period. It continued to rise after the revitalised learning spaces were completed.

Education
2009
Leeds, England
Client: Interserve Construction
Coventry University Scarborough Campus
Coventry university scarborough campus main entrance crop 3x4
Coventry university scarborough campus main street 3x2
Education
2016
Scarborough, England
Client: Coventry University
Daventry University Technical College
Daventry university technical college teaching workshop benches 3x2

Daventry UTC was one of the first technical colleges in the country, providing vocational education with an emphasis on sustainable technologies.

The three-storey learning block integrated practical and theory-based learning spaces, which overlooked a triple-height workshop running the full scale of the block, allowing room for large-scale projects. Appropriately, these were housed beneath a striking, industrial sawtooth roof. The design negotiated a significant slope and clusters of mature trees, which were retained and protected during construction.

The building created a distinctive identity for the UTC and was a prominent part of the town’s wider regeneration plans.

Education
2013
Daventry, England
Client: Shepherd Construction
Dixons Trinity Academy
Dixons trinity chapeltown leeds school entrance 3x2
Dixons trinity chapeltown leeds primary school class 3x2
Education
2020
Leeds, England
Client: Willmott Dixon Construction
Doncaster UTC
Doncaster utc school entrace elevation facade 3x4
Doncaster utc school students in workshop classroom 3x2
Education
2020
Doncaster, England
Client: Willmott Dixon Construction
Durham University Graham Sports Centre
Durham university graham sports centre view towards main entrance 3x4
Durham university graham sports centre indoor cricket nets training 3x4

Continuing FaulknerBrowns’ work with Durham University, we completed a remodel of their primary sports facility. This involved the refurbishment of existing facilities as well as an expansion, which included the addition of an indoor cricket hall, a 12-court multi-use sports hall, a martial arts studio and fitness suite, as well as sports science, recovery and support facilities.

The site is near a conservation area and has views of the Durham Castle and Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site. The design sensitively minimises the overall height of the development by adopting efficient forms and structures.

Sport · Education
2019
Durham , England
Client: Durham University
Gateshead International Stadium Regional Hub
Gateshead international stadium regional hub indoor athletics track and long jump 3x2
Sport · Education
2006
Gateshead, England
Client: Gateshead Council
INTO Newcastle University
Into newcastle university student pathway centre view from haymarket 3x2
Into newcastle university student pathway centre entrance lobby tall 3x4
Education
2012
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Client: Newcastle University
Lancaster University InfoLab21
Lancaster university infolab21 from across motorway 3x2

InfoLab21 is a research centre for Computing and Communications systems at Lancaster University. The main aim of the centre is to encourage technology transfer from the university’s research to the local and regional industry.

The green panelling and copper accents provide a visually arresting signpost for the university, signalling its confidence as a research-based institution. The large glass facades and bold, angular form make the centre modern and distinctive, while the roof terrace and focus on sustainability connect it to the surrounding environment. Internally, the research wing is configured in an innovative new layout, bringing academic teams together around shared 'club' spaces with transparent offices.

Against fierce competition, the building was awarded ‘Best Corporate Workplace’ at the prestigious British Council for Offices Awards–the first university building to receive the honour.

Education
2004
Lancaster, England
Client: Lancaster University
Lancaster University Sports Centre
Lancaster university sports centre swimming pool from corner 3x2

This sports centre was developed as part of a strategy to improve the lifestyle offerings for staff and students at Lancaster University, as well as the local community. The centre provides both fitness and competition-standard facilities, including an eight-lane swimming pool, climbing wall, four sports halls and comprehensive fitness suite.

The large glass facades provide abundant natural light and promote the quality of the facilities inside. The centre was designed around sustainable goals, utilising green solutions like natural ventilation and a CHP plant that efficiently generates electricity and heat from the same source.

On opening, around 13,000 people a week used the centre, with 50% coming from the local community—far exceeding anticipated numbers.

Sport · Education
2011
Lancaster, England
Client: Lancaster University
Latymer Upper School Sports Centre
Latymer upper school sports centre london views into pool hall 3x2
Latymer upper school sports centre main pool hall views 3x4

Latymer Upper School is an independent school in west London known for excelling in sports. Following a competitive interview process, FaulknerBrowns won the commission to design a redevelopment of their existing sports facilities, which were no longer fit for purpose.

The centre includes a 25m six-lane swimming pool, four-court sports hall and a gym. The site is on a conservation area by the River Thames, and is surrounded by sensitive residential streets, meaning it required careful negotiation, particularly regarding the ‘right to light’. Our solution to enable the building to fit in a very constrained site was stacking the multi-purpose halls above the swimming pool. This also orientates the building’s mass towards the busy A4, creating a high-profile design statement which, particularly at night, advertises the school’s presence.

Sport · Education
2016
London, England
Client: Latymer Upper School
Menai Science Park
Menai science park bangor wales external view at night 3x2
Menai science park bangor wales visitors looking at views from cafe 3x4

Part of Bangor University, this is the first dedicated science park in Wales, with a focus on the low-carbon energy, ICT and environmental sectors.

This landmark facility provides co-working spaces, offices, laboratories and workshops for new and established businesses. FaulknerBrowns designed the building to foster community and encourage knowledge sharing. We created a vibrant central hub to act as a flexible work area, event venue and meeting point, linking the surrounding tenancy spaces that line the perimeter. Large glazed panels provide natural light and views to Snowdonia and the surrounding countryside. The external structure features sharp angles and clean lines, with a white ribbon lining the exterior, giving the building a bold and futuristic look.

Education
2018
Anglesey, Wales
Client: M-SParc
National Glass Centre
National glass centre sunderland atrium 3x4
National glass centre sunderland exhibition space cropped 3x2

This cultural venue hosts exhibitions, glass-making demonstrations and family crafts. Following its acquisition by the University of Sunderland, we were commissioned to breathe new life into the destination. The improved, intuitive layout has allowed for a variety of arts and cultural programmes and has increased visitor numbers.

Working with the university and Arts Council, we centred the design process around visitor experience, aiming to provide a reinvigorated cultural destination. We created an easily-navigable landscape of galleries, interactive lecture facilities and creative teaching studios.

Education · Commercial · Culture
2012
Sunderland, England
Client: University of Sunderland
Newcastle University Baddiley-Clark Building
Newcastle university baddiley clark building new building connected to historic building 3x2
Newcastle university baddiley clark building multi level office floors 3x4

Newcastle University’s Medical Sciences Centre provides a sustainable environment for two leading medical research teams: The Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB) and The Institute of Health and Society (IHS).

The building houses high-specification microbiological laboratories for CBCB, arranged with an innovative configuration of write-up areas housed in cascading terraces. These are linked by the primary circulation stair, which provides connections to the laboratories at each level, integrating the centre’s 100 researchers. In contrast, we created flexible and efficient office space for the dynamic IHS teams to undertake a range of health-related research projects.

A central forum connects the research groups and wider medical school, providing a reception area, café and seminar facilities.

Education
2010
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Client: Newcastle University
Newcastle University Students' Union
Newcastle university students union hot desks 3x2
Newcastle university students union refurbished historic facade corner 3x4

Newcastle University’s listed Union Society building is both a significant landmark and the social focus of the campus. FaulknerBrowns’ refurbishment sought to introduce an additional dimension to the building by integrating informal learning spaces, ensuring it remains a vibrant student destination throughout the day.

A combination of internal reconfiguration and the construction of a new entrance and circulation areas supports the union’s objectives of participation, representation and experience. It increases the presence and accessibility of the union’s student advice, advocacy and volunteering support activities, and provides opportunities for new commercial activities that will support campus life.

Education
2011
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Client: Newcastle University
Ponteland Schools and Leisure
Ponteland school and leisure centre newcastle upon tyne entrance 3x2
Ponteland school and leisure centre newcastle upon tyne central spine 3x4

This £43 million landmark project was one of the first integrated schools, sports and leisure projects in the United Kingdom.

The campus includes a primary school, secondary school and swimming pools shared by the schools and local community, as well as sports pitches and changing facilities for the town’s football, rugby and cricket clubs. Enhancing the versatility of the centre, there is also a library, café, climbing wall, soft-play area, fitness suite, sports halls and luxury spa.

The leisure facilities can be accessed separately from either side of the building, allowing them to switch between school and community use while maintaining the safeguarding of children.

Education · Sport
2020
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Client: Northumberland County Council
Pudsey Grangefield School
Pudsey grangefield school leeds canteen from balcony 3x4
Pudsey grangefield school leeds central learning atrium 3x4

FaulknerBrown’s redevelopment of Pudsey Grangefield School sought to provide a transformational learning environment. We reimagined the conventional classroom into spaces allocated to open, group, and show-and-tell learning, promoting both personal and project-based learning. Academic achievement significantly improved since the redevelopment, demonstrating the success of this approach.

The L-shaped building divides the school into two blocks containing community and learning facilities, creating easily separated community resources after school hours. The blocks are connected by two internal streets for social dining and open learning during the school day.

We responded to the challenging site—located on a significant gradient and bisected by two public rights of way—by carefully designing the facilities so that each of the school’s three storeys has ‘ground-level’ access to the landscape.

Education
2008
Pudsey, England
Client: Interserve Construction
Queen's University Belfast Physical Education Centre
Queens university belfast physical education centre entrance across lake 3x2
Queens university belfast physical education centre climbing wall 3x4

The centre’s location in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens—easily accessible from most student accommodation—makes it an attractive and calming space to exercise.

FaulknerBrowns chose a circular form for the building, in contrast to the box-like appearance of the previous sports centre. Although smaller in mass and scale, this design gives it a strong presence. The building centres around a two-floor climbing wall, which is visible to all visitors.

The new centre also features a café overlooking the park and the river, and became a major asset to the sporting and social life of south Belfast.

Education · Sport
2006
Belfast, Ireland
Client: Queen's University Belfast
Royal School Manchester
Royal school manchester sen school internal courtyard 3x2
Royal school manchester sen school central atrium 3x2
Education
2023
Manchester, England
Client: Seashell Trust
Scarborough UTC
Scarborough university technical college main entrance 3x2
Scarborough university technical college students in workshop 3x4

Scarborough UTC provides high-quality academic and technical facilities specialising in engineering, manufacturing and technology. The college is part of the social and economic regeneration of Scarborough, providing education, skills and career opportunities.

FaulknerBrowns had a tight timeline for this project: we successfully completed design within six weeks, with just 18 months from briefing to occupation. We achieved this by developing a fixed building envelope that reflected the context of the site, allowing us to achieve planning consent while we continued to develop the interior.

The three-storey building consists of a learning block with formal and informal learning spaces arranged around an atrium. This connects to a double-height engineering workshop that has a glazed ‘shop front’ by the main entrance, celebrating UTC’s specialism.

Education
2016
Scarborough, England
Client: Wrenbridge
St John's School Sports Centre
St johns school leatherhead sports centre pitched roof detail 3x2
St johns school leatherhead sports centre main pool looking towards balcony gym 3x4

FaulknerBrowns was chosen to design the redevelopment of St. John’s pool building. We designed a two-storey extension that accommodates a 25-metre swimming pool, gym and multi-purpose space. The building wraps around two sides of the existing sports hall, giving the appearance of a completely refreshed facility and allowing for further expansion in future phases.

We implemented a dual-pitch roof form, minimising the height so as not to impose on the main sports hall or neighbouring properties. The double-pitch design is replicated inside the pool hall with a steel frame and glass panels, creating continuity of aesthetic.

Rooflights above the pool allow natural light in and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Natural tones and materials are used throughout, namely light timber and large glazed panelling, which create soft and airy activity spaces.

Sport · Education
2019
Leatherhead, England
Client: St John's School
Surrey Sports Park
Surrey sports park university sports centre pool synchronised swimming 3x2

The University of Surrey Sports Park is one of the largest higher education sports centres in the UK. The extensive mix of facilities includes a 50-metre pool, 12-court sports hall, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, rugby, football and hockey pitches, and two multi-use games areas. The centre also includes a café, restaurant, bars and conference rooms, making it a truly multi-purpose venue.

The facility was designed to international standards, supporting high-performance athletes, but also providing a warm and welcoming space for all users. The prominent use of light timber and the fluid roof form help to soften the building’s scale and ground it in its natural surroundings.

The park was used as a training venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games—a testament to the quality of its facilities and design.

Sport · Education
2010
Guildford, England
Client: University of Surrey
Teesside University Business School
Teesside university business school informal learning space 3x2
Teesside university business school students sitting at benches in social breakout space 3x4
Education
2019
Middlesbrough, England
Client: Teesside University
Teesside University Student Life Building
Teesside university student life building closeup of glazing 3x4
Teesside university student life building private meeting rooms 3x4

Teesside’s Student Life building acts as a central home for the university’s range of support services and provides spaces for a variety of learning styles.

Despite a relatively simple exterior, the interior was carefully developed to integrate support services with learning facilities and was arranged to balance openness with confidentiality. Generally, social and collaborative spaces—such as the ‘Creator Lab’, ‘Digital Futures’ centre and café—are found on the ground floor, with quieter, individual learning spaces placed higher up for privacy.

The building had a notable social impact, particularly in supporting the retention and success of students with complex learning needs and was recognised with an RICS Social Impact Award in 2020.

Education
2019
Middlesbrough, England
Client: Teesside University
The Foundry
The foundry student residences newcastle upon tyne modular construction 3x2
The foundry student residences newcastle upon tyne communal kitchen area 3x2

This five-storey student accommodation building has over 200 rooms, split between studio apartments and en-suites. The ground-floor provides space for study and social interaction and connects to a central courtyard overlooked by the kitchens. The bedrooms are placed around the perimeter of the building, benefitting from views, natural light and ventilation.

We employed off-site construction to maximise site development potential and efficiency—the time between construction starting and occupation was just 12 months. The bright aluminium cladding gives a distinctive identity, which is continued internally.

Residential · Education
2015
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Client: Trust Estates Ltd
University of Nottingham Library
University of nottingham library students reading in front of full height window 3x2
Education
1972
Nottingham, England
Client: University of Nottingham
University of Oxford Iffley Road Sports Centre
University of oxford sports centre students playing basketball on led sports floor 3x4
University of oxford sports centre badminton on led glass sports floor 3x2

The Acer Nethercott Sports Centre is set in the grounds of the Iffley Road running track—known as the home of Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile. The centre’s most distinctive feature is its LED-lit glass ‘smart’ floor—the first of its kind in the UK. The lights beneath the surface can be operated via touch screen to form court lines for 84 different sports, including badminton, basketball, handball and volleyball, widening the variety of sports students can try. This innovative solution was developed over five years in collaboration with the university. The building embraces low and zero-carbon technologies, including the heat recovery system that capitalises unused heat from the neighbouring pool.

Sport · Education
2018
Oxford, England
Client: University of Oxford
University of Stirling Performance and Wellbeing Centre
University of stirling performance and wellbeing centre closeup at night 3x2
University of stirling performance and wellbeing centre internal drum materials 3x4

This centre was part of a £20 million transformation of the University of Stirling’s sports facilities, which include national tennis and swimming academies.

The new building includes a fitness suite with more than 100 stations, three-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, strength and conditioning area, and a state-of-the-art performance gym.

Users of the building also benefit from enhanced changing facilities and social spaces, including a café. The building’s glazed frontage exposes a central cylindrical drum with vertical timber fins spaced to create a concertina effect. This feature presents the illusion of motion and acts as a welcoming focal point in the entrance.

Sport · Education
2020
Stirling, Scotland
Client: University of Stirling
University of Sunderland Cityspace
University of sunderland cityspace people on entrance steps 3x2
University of sunderland cityspace students sitting in communal forum space 3x4
Sport · Education
2009
Sunderland, England
Client: University of Sunderland
University of Sunderland Murray Library
University of sunderland murray library it facilities 3x2
Education
2007
Sunderland, England
Client: University of Sunderland
University of Sunderland Sciences Complex
University of sunderland sciences complex student walking out of main entrance 3x4
University of sunderland sciences complex students working in laboratory 3x2
Education
2010
Sunderland, England
Client: University of Sunderland
Wolsingham School
Wolsingham school historic entrance 3x2
Wolsingham school new build school facade 3x4
Education
2016
Wolsingham, England
Client: Durham County Council