“I enjoyed being in a room with professionals with years of experience. While we all learned more about the concept and practicality of straw bale techniques, I was exposed to different ways of thinking about design and materiality; it felt like I was learning how to learn. Architecture student, Orla Anekwe
If you’re looking to study architecture in Brighton and want a degree that combines creativity, sustainability, and real-world impact, the University of Brighton offers an experience like no other.
Our Architecture BA(Hons) students recently stepped out of the studio and onto the construction site to help build The Bradbury Den at Chailey Heritage Foundation’s Patchwork Farm in East Sussex. This pioneering learning space will bring together children and young people with complex disabilities, local schools, and community groups in a therapeutic farm setting, where interaction with animals and nature fosters communication, physical development, and wellbeing.
Hands-on sustainable architecture
Students participated in serveral areas of construction, from crafting straw bale walls to learning low-carbon construction techniques. They gained practical skills that matter in today’s world, including straw bale building, a centuries-old method using tightly packed bales of wheat, rice, rye, or oats, which offers exceptional insulation and a near carbon-neutral footprint.
By participating in the project, students developed traditional skills and experience whilst creating a carbon-neutral space that will have a lasting community impact. Prior to this, the students took part in a construction workshop to prepare for the hands-on build.
Artchitecture student, Orla Anekwe said:
“I enjoyed being in a room with professionals with years of experience. While we all learned more about the concept and practicality of straw bale techniques, I was exposed to different ways of thinking about design and materiality; it felt like I was learning how to learn. I had a feeling it would be fun to go for workshops to get a bit of dirt under my nails, but it really made me realise that I get to have fun while finding new ways to take on projects and interact with teams of well-versed individuals.”
Will Folkes, Director of Specialist Services and Income at the Chailey Heritage Foundation said:
“Building The Bradbury Den was always envisaged as a community project that would not only create a unique resource for the children and young people at Chailey Heritage Foundation but also provide an opportunity for community engagement in the design, build and use of the building. Welcoming the students from the University of Brighton to learn this sustainable building technique alongside our team is the perfect example of this collaboration.”
Why choose Brighton for architecture?
The Bradbury Den, designed by BakerBrown Studio and led by Duncan Baker Brown, principal lecturer at Brighton and architect, and environmental activist, that embodies the values we teach: inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.
Duncan explains:
“The Bradbury Den is an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with sustainable architecture in a real-world setting. It also allows us to support Chailey Heritage Foundation in creating a space that is inclusive, environmentally responsible, and truly transformative for the young people who will use it.”
Through initiatives like the Bradbury Den, the University of Brighton continues to provide students with opportunities to develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and inclusive future.
Your future starts here
At Brighton, you won’t just design, you’ll build, collaborate, and innovate. Through projects like The Bradbury Den, you’ll gain the skills and mindset to lead the future of architecture: one that values people, planet, and purpose.
Ready to shape a sustainable future?
Learn more about our Architecture BA(Hons) on the University of Brighton website.
Published by