The University of Brighton, Mithras House
The University of Brighton's Moulsecoomb Campus has undergone a spectacular transformation over the past four years. Towering new buildings now grace the site, including five student halls with over 800 rooms, a vibrant Students' Union, modern fitness facilities, an accessible pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of the campus, and a multi-storey car and bike park. Amidst this growth, the campus's original central building, Mithras House, required modernising to meet the evolving need of a contemporary education setting.
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Built-in 1939, Mithras House originally served as the administrative and design office for the Allen West Electrical Engineering Company. In the 1970s, it was acquired by East Sussex County Council and eventually passed into the hands of Brighton Polytechnic, now known as The University of Brighton. Over the subsequent years, the building has seen numerous renovations and retrofitted amendments which had to all be stripped out before the modernisation work could begin.
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To create an engaging and social learning environment for the university's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, renowned architects Burrell Foley Fisher redesigned two levels of Mithras House. A prime example of this transformation is the Hellerup staircase, now a stunning shared space for lectures, events, and informal gatherings, perfectly embodying the architect's design ethos towards sociable learning.
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Designed to foster organic interactions and the exchange of ideas, the revamped Mithras House features three central, flexible teaching areas surrounded by office spaces and research labs. Smaller breakout areas cater to impromptu meetings, while a welcoming new reception greets visitors. Wide corridors and glass partitions bathe the space in natural light, creating airy and inviting areas for work and socialising. Dedicated exhibition space allows students to showcase their work and connect with the local community and businesses.
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Forza worked with specialist subcontractor iBuild Interiors Ltd, supplying a mix of non-fire-rated, fire-rated, and acoustic bespoke hand-finished doors, frames and timber glazed screens. Over 120 doors were installed, each finished with matching grey Egger laminate with concealed timber lipping and hockey stick beading to form the glazed vision panels. Ironmongery was supplied by Knex and, where required, featured the Salto access control system.
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Links:
Contractor ISG Ltd
Subcontractor iBuild Interiors