Material audit and feature design

The Phoenix was home to the Phoenix Ironworks, established on the site by John Every in 1861. At its peak, it comprised multiple workshops and foundry buildings, supplying railings, bandstands and decorative ironwork across Sussex and beyond.

Local Works Studio were employed to undertake a site audit of materials for reuse within the new development. The brownfield site includes the historic foundry buildings  (not for demolition), and many industrial units from the 1970’s and 80’s. Our report included: material quantities and qualities; typologies; condition & viability; storage requirements; deconstruction methods & precautions.

Our audit document focussed on the reuse of structural and non-structural steelwork, and masonry materials. The audit has helped inform our on-going material strategy for new bespoke cladding materials for the development, made with waste from the site.