Bramall Music Building

When designing a new music department for Birmingham

University, Glenn Howells Architects faced the challenge

of creating a new construction to fit in with the surrounding

grade II listed buildings, whilst meeting contemporary

standards of accommodation and acoustics.

The Bramall Music Building provides a home for the

department of music, with a 450-seat auditorium,

a domed rehearsal room, various studios, offices and

teaching rooms. Working in conjunction with the architect,

Allgood created an ironmongery specification that was

closely aligned to the design concept of the building;

classically designed whilst meeting contemporary

performance standards. The choice of FSB bronze door

furniture throughout the public areas compliments the

aesthetic of the interior but also links the building to the

more traditional materials associated with the design of the

existing buildings.

The architect wanted to extend the bronze aesthetic

through to the mechanical hardware which provided a

challenge as options are limited for fire rated mechanical

hardware in a bronze finish. Allgood were able to apply

the unique, simulated Bronze finish to satin stainless steel

hardware, continuing the bronze finish throughout the

building. Not only did this complete the visual aesthetic but

it meant that the hardware would meet all of the fire and

building regulations.

In addition, Allgood provided electromagnetic hold

open units, signage and door furniture to allow the main

circulation doors through to the auditorium to be held open

in pockets. This created a clean, architectural detail that

provides clear opening widths for visitors to enter through.