Viva Brighton

Article: Bricks and Mortar – “Community Base, Stripping back to build forward”

Magazine Issue: January 2017

Project Published: Eco Refurbishment at Community Base, Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex

The Viva website: http://www.vivabrighton.com/

This month Viva Brighton magazine have documented the major exterior works which are currently underway at The Community Base building in Brighton. The article includes details of Duncan’s interview with Cara Courage and discusses the benefits of working with existing building stock in an environmentally sound way.

The community base building is currently undergoing major exterior works which will substantially lower the carbon footprint, reduce running costs by approximately 26% and extend the life of the building for decades to come. Winters will be warmer and summers will be cooler for the diverse occupants using this very popular building and iconic Brighton & Hove City landmark.

The old 1960’s exterior panels have ‘concrete cancer’ and have not been much defence against the salty marine air of Brighton. The inner steel bars have started to rust which in turn has cracked the concrete shell. In place of the existing panels will be a new skin combining specialised aluminium panels, a thick layer of insulation and new double glazed windows.

The building accommodates over thirty charitable organisations and heating costs are a big concern looking into the future. It is hoped the works will make the spaces not only more economic to occupy but also more comfortable. Works are due to be completed by mid-2017 further details on this will follow shortly.

To read the full article click here