Jubilee Library, Brighton
Read the press release announcing the 2005 winner of the Prime Minister's Award
Read Tessa Jowell's PM's Award speech
About the Project
- Developer and investor: Investors in the Community
- Principal designer: Bennetts Associates with Lomax, Cassidy and Edwards
- Client: Brighton and Hove Council
- Principal contractor: Rok
- Principal engineer: SKM Anthony Hunts
- Contract value: £8.115 million
This 4,000m2 PFI project comprises a new public library, hotel, residential development, offices, retail and restaurants, with a masterplan based on a new public square and reinstatement of the original street pattern. It scores on a number of issues, not least sustainability.
Designed to achieve an 'excellent' BREEAM environmental rating, the library features low energy consumption, low embodied energy and recycled rainwater.
Heavy concrete mass was used for the structure to achieve thermal stability while local climatic conditions were relied upon to drive passive environmental control.
Innovation extended to the external wall, where the project used a local manufacturer of traditional 'mathematical' tiles was used, integrating them in a lightweight wall cladding system and giving the library a local feel that proved more economical than facing brickwork.
Ultimately, the scheme proved that, with a client clear about the need for high design values from the outset, a stylish library is possible.
The Judges said:
"This PFI project has given Brighton a long-awaited facility which has been designed and delivered with great flair."
