News

1 October 2008

Groundbreaking University of Sheffield building complete

The University of Sheffield's state-of-the-art music practice and studio facility, the Soundhouse, is now complete. The striking development, conceptually designed by careyjones architects and delivered by Jefferson Sheard Architects, is completely enveloped in black rubber - a technique never seen before in the UK.

Covering 450sq m and is three storeys in height, the building's unique black cube structure is set to become a landmark on the university campus, the bold and simple design reflecting the existing inventiveness of the Portobello area.

Professor Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "The Soundhouse is the first building to be completed in the second phase of our development of the Jessop site, with the first phase seeing the completion of the Sheffield Bioincubator. The unique state-of-the-art Soundhouse is an innovative addition to the campus and will allow our students to nurture and develop their passion for music in a modern and creative environment."

Mike Harris, Director at careyjones architects, said: "Working with a forward thinking client such as the University of Sheffield allowed careyjones to really push the design boundaries for the Soundhouse. The pioneering ‘music box' design creates a stunning piece of architecture that sits well as part of the dynamic urban fabric, respecting important existing and new buildings in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the overall aesthetic of the black rubber quilt is intended as a literal translation of the need to acoustically contain the building's use contained within. As a practice we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the University and continuing our work in Sheffield."

Tom Rhys Jones, Managing Director of Jefferson Sheard Architects, continues; "From the outset this project was always going to be technically challenging as it was highly innovative in terms of both the cladding and internal fit out. The building required intricate detailing at every stage; internally to meet the demanding acoustic requirements following through externally to the unique envelope of the Soundhouse using a construction method never before used in the UK.

"We believe the detailing has gone a long way to providing the University with the 21^st Century flagship building which they envisaged when they approved the original design concept."

The Soundhouse was constructed by Kier.