Deacon + Richardson Architects were appointed to convert and extend an existing school hall into a cutting-edge, fully accessible multipurpose facility for young people with complex physical and health needs at Chailey Heritage Foundation.

Located at the heart of the campus, the hall now includes a 4D immersive space, rebound therapy area, and a sports hall designed specifically for wheelchair sports. It also functions as a performing arts space, with associated changing rooms and a commercial kitchen.

The design was carefully considered to sit comfortably alongside neighbouring heritage buildings, including the Grade II listed St. Martin’s Church, without overwhelming its sensitive context. The resulting structure respects its surroundings while delivering a bold and contemporary facility.

Every design decision centred on accessibility and user empowerment. The building includes hygiene rooms, ceiling-mounted hoist systems, wheelchair-friendly circulation, concealed tracking, automated doors, and stage ramp access.

The stage incorporates moveable partitions and a hidden trampoline, transforming into a therapy and 4D immersive environment. Smart projectors allow users to control the dynamic digital scenery themselves, creating a rich, sensory experience. The main hall provides further space for wheelchair driving practice and sport, with integrated trampoline storage.

A bespoke air-handling system with mechanical heat recovery provides user-controlled climate management. Automatic blinds prevent sports-related glazing damage, and integrated feature lighting adds a customisable environment.

Significantly, the existing Memorial Hall was retained and upgraded. This conserved hundreds of tonnes of embodied carbon from the original foundations, masonry walls, and steel frame. The envelope was highly insulated, solar PV panels discreetly added to the south-facing roof, and MHRV systems installed to boost energy efficiency.

This highly commended project combines inclusive design, technical innovation, and sustainability, setting a new benchmark for community-focused architecture in healthcare and education.

Photo Credit: Jim Stephenson