Sheffield University unveils its rubber-clad 'Soundhouse'

A state-of-the-art building enveloped completely in black rubber has just been completed for the University of Sheffield.

The three storey high music practice and studio facility, labelled the Soundhouse, was conceptually designed by Carey Jones architects, and delivered by Jefferson Sheard Architects.

Covering 450m², the building’s unique black cube structure is set to become a landmark on the university campus, with the bold and simple design reflecting the existing inventiveness of the Portobello area.

Professor Keith Burnett, vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said the new addition would allow students to “nurture and develop their passion for music in a modern and creative environment.”

Mike Harris, director at Carey Jones architects, said the overall aesthetic of the black rubber quilt was intended as “a literal translation of the need to acoustically contain the building’s use contained within.”

The pioneering "music box" design creates he said, “a stunning piece of architecture that sits well as part of the dynamic urban fabric, respecting important existing and new buildings in the surrounding area.”

The Soundhouse was constructed by Kier.