Trading tech for tradition: Brighton architecture students and staff learn centuries-old construction skills to build inclusive learning space

The architecture students from the University of Brighton will put learning into practice on 20 November, helping to construct the Bradbury Den at Chailey Heritage Foundation’s Patchwork Farm in East Sussex.

The Bradbury Den is a new learning space designed to bring children and young people from Chailey Heritage, a specialist charity supporting those living with complex disabilities, together with local schools and community groups. The Den will allow young people to learn and explore in a therapeutic farm environment, where interaction with animals and nature helps achieve communication, physical, and wellbeing outcomes that are not possible in a traditional classroom.

The students from the university’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering will participate in several areas of the construction including building the straw bale walls that form the core of the Den. Straw bale wall construction is a centuries-old technique that uses tightly packed bales of wheat, rice, rye, or oats as structural and insulating elements.

By participating in the project students are developing traditional skills and experience while creating a carbon-neutral space that will have a lasting community impact.

Earlier this month the students took part in a construction workshop to prepare for the hands-on build. Orla Anekwe, studying Architecture BA(Hons), 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.”

The Bradbury Den has been designed by BakerBrown Studio, led by Duncan Baker Brown, Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, architect, and environmental activist.

Duncan said: “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.”

Scheduled for completion in spring 2026, the Bradbury Den will be a space where children from Chailey Heritage and local schools can learn, explore, and connect. The project exemplifies a low-carbon, community-led approach to architecture that combines environmental responsibility with inclusivity.

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.”

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.