Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds

A façade which is the defining feature of the building

The rainscreen façade is the Carnegie School of Sport’s defining feature. Made up of 1,800 sqm of aluminium panels, it dominates the building and immediate area thanks to its bright red colour and imposing size. However, that doesn’t mean it wows through brute force alone.

It features a sophisticated, multi-tone finish with unique red-on-red UnAtex panels, created in contrasting gloss levels to replicate muscle fibres under the microscope. The school is concerned with sport, and the façade reflects that with a high level of artistry through a mix of colour, pattern, shadow and reflection.

Simon Davies, an Architect at Sheppard Robson, said: “One of the key challenges we faced was how we would create a contemporary addition to an historic campus. The façade approach was informed by a study of Doric columns and how this would create an interplay of light and rhythm.”

This solution achieved an ever-changing visual aspect in both sunlight and shade. Furthermore, the UnAtex colour developed in collaboration with the architect is completely unique, offering another point of difference. There will never be another building which looks quite like this one.

We worked closely with the architect to develop the perfect finish which could meet these ambitious goals. Multiple samples, different gloss levels and constant communication were key to getting the balance perfect.

A robust, tested finish which is designed to last a lifetime

The UnAtex finish we developed for the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University shows exactly how we can help architects unlock their creativity and create a façade which matches their vision.

Our process also shows why our finishes are a good choice in other ways, beyond just the aesthetics. The resilience and durability of our UnAtex range ensures that the façade will retain its visual impact for decades to come – a vital advantage for any architect who wants to leave a permanent legacy in the built environment.

We were also able to go even further and offer a 25+ year lifetime guarantee on this project. That high level of confidence in our finishes is built on over 65 years of observed behaviour and a solid collaboration with the architect.

Peter Watts, Managing Director at United Anodisers, said: “The Carnegie School of Sport is a standout facility for learning and research at Leeds Beckett University. It was a pleasure working in close collaboration with the architect and fabricator to create a unique, bespoke finish to ensure that the building’s visual impact is as strong as its educational impact for decades to come.”

© Photography by John Kees Photography