Providing a new architectural typology for the build-to-rent sector, Longley Place, with interior design concept by Lister + Lister, comprises 209 apartments, alongside 33,000 sq ft of flexible, co-working office space to support Brighton’s creative community.

Achieving BREEAM Excellent and residential HQM Level 4, the new build offers excellent resident amenities, including three rooftop gardens, a gym, lounge areas, workspaces and a private dining room, whilst strengthening connections to the station and adjacent commercial core of Brighton city centre.

The scheme presented an exciting opportunity to create a public art commission that integrates fully with the high-quality materiality and language of the building. To deliver this, EPR collaborated with artist Ptolemy Mann, who has a unique approach to textile art, hand dyeing, weaving and architectural artworks — underpinned with intelligent colour theory.

Ptolemy began by creating large-scale colourway sketches which beautifully captured the light and colours of the Downs and the sea but also the progressive green spirit of Brighton’s residents. Via a series of workshops, we then translated these from painting to glazed brick, refining the final piece and creating a symbiotic relationship between art and architecture.

Over 8,000 bespoke coloured bricks in 20 different shades were used to recreate the artwork across the building's two flank walls. The colour palette also informed the glazed colonnade that wraps the building, further integrating art into the scheme.