The seamless below ground extension to the Chelsea Training Academy Campus in Cobham, Surrey utilised aluminium facade systems. 

Sited on greenbelt land, the scheme demanded a sensitive architectural approach to ensure minimal visible impact on the landscape. The original building accommodates the latest training, rehabilitation, medical and media technology facilities and its elevational treatment uses brass shingle cladding, natural coloured render and GEODE MX Horizontal Trame curtain walling. 

Designed using the same palette of materials as the existing building, a basement extension has been completed to provide additional gym, medical treatment and rehabilitation areas immediately adjacent to the existing fitness and related activities. 

To achieve this a moat was excavated which avoided any further outward construction or comprimise of the original design of the campus. 

In order to maintain natural lighting and the design quality of the training facility, the basement space was enclosed in GEODE MX Horizontal Trame curtain walling supplemented by a series of light wells. 

The curtain walling system had already been used extensively been used on the original building to give the academy an open and spacious feel and an eye-catching, contemporary design. It has also been specified on the adjacent youth and community facility that was completed in 2009. 

The below-ground facade spans 3m high and around 40m long. The curtain wall was glazed in low E toughened glass and was faceted to follow the sweeping line of the moat. Metallic grey aerofoil caps run along the facade to provide horizontal emphasis, with flat, black profiles softening the appearance of the vertical sections. Internally the system was finished in metallic silver, and hinged double CD Commerical Doors were inserted into the curtain walling for access to the gym.