Brighton Business School

The seven-year transformation of Brighton Business School, completed in 2023 by Hassell Studio, marks a new chapter for the university — a light-filled, connected environment designed to elevate both learning and collaboration.

The finish was chosen for its ability to bring clarity and calm to a busy, high-traffic setting — combining elegance with lasting performance. The concrete was laid at 100mm depth directly over underfloor heating, encasing the pipes within the floor. This provided an extremely robust and durable surface suitable for the high traffic commercial space. The surface was sealed with a Matt, anti slip sealant to achieve a +36 PTV rating.

With its soft, warm tone and gentle sheen, Oyster White complements the surrounding architecture beautifully. Natural light moves across the surface throughout the day, reflecting the sculptural forms of the feature staircase and structural columns while enhancing the building’s sense of openness.

The polished concrete was integral to the design concept — a material that could both unify the space and elevate its character. Its refined finish reinforces the university’s contemporary identity: confident, enduring, and purposefully modern.

Delivered in collaboration with Hassell Studio, Brighton Business School demonstrates how considered material choices can transform functional spaces into timeless architectural statements.