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Supporting Premier League Operations Through Modular Construction

By Elite Systems (GB) Limited in Case Study

Client
ECE Architecture / Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Sector
Sports & Leisure

Location
Brighton, England


Amex Stadium — home of Brighton & Hove Albion FC

As modular construction continues to play a growing role in sports and leisure environments, Elite Systems was appointed to deliver a bespoke gatehouse at the Amex Stadium — home of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. The project highlights how offsite manufacturing can provide high-quality, brand-aligned facilities while minimising disruption at busy venues with fixed seasonal deadlines.

The enquiry came through ECE Architecture, who required a precision-built structure that could be craned into place quickly and integrate naturally with the stadium’s existing architecture. With the club progressing wider expansion plans, the gatehouse needed to enhance access, improve wayfinding, and reflect the identity of one of the Premier League’s most community-focused teams.

Project Brief

The client required a modular gatehouse that delivered:

  • A welcoming, clearly defined entrance for fans, staff, and VIP visitors arriving from Village Way

  • Operational support for the wider stadium expansion — increasing capacity from ~30,750 to ~32,500 seats

  • Strong architectural consistency, matching the Amex Stadium’s materials, colours, and contemporary design language

To achieve this, Elite Systems developed a bespoke solution featuring a curved bullnose fascia, club-coloured cladding, high-spec aluminium glazing, and a practical internal layout tailored to stadium operations.

Overcoming Challenges in a Live Stadium Environment

Stadium sites offer unique constraints, particularly when construction intersects with match schedules and high visitor footfall. For this project, the gatehouse was positioned at the entrance to the main car park — an area that remains live and heavily used throughout the season.

To maintain safety and avoid disruption, Elite Systems introduced a strict “no-work on match days” policy, building the programme around the confirmed fixture list. This required close coordination with stadium operations, weekly planning meetings, and real-time communication channels to adjust to any late changes. Clear fencing, signage, and traffic marshals supported safe segregation between construction activities and public access at all times.

Delivering a Complex, Brand-Led Design

A standout element of the project was the bespoke bullnose fascia, designed to achieve a smooth curved aesthetic aligned with the stadium’s existing architectural character. Achieving this level of precision required early collaboration between our design team, the architect, and structural engineers.

Using 3D modelling, we developed the geometry and addressed potential tolerance issues before manufacture. The fascia was fabricated offsite in pre-curved aluminium panels, enabling us to achieve the exact radius required with minimal site adjustments. During installation, our team used custom jigs and templates to ensure perfect alignment across all elevations.

Brand consistency was another key focus. Working with Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s design team, we sourced aluminium finishes that matched the club’s official colours and ensured long-term durability. A perforated aluminium mesh, colour-matched to surrounding stadium elements, completed the exterior aesthetic.

Meeting a Non-Negotiable Deadline

With the new football season approaching, the construction timeline was fixed. Modularity enabled us to deliver the building offsite while groundworks and service connections progressed in parallel on location. This concurrent approach significantly reduced programme risk and ensured installation and commissioning were completed in just over two weeks.

The ability to manage quality in a factory-controlled environment while maintaining rapid on-site delivery proved essential in meeting the stadium’s operational requirements.

Bringing the Vision to Life

To guarantee accuracy and alignment throughout the process, a full package of architectural drawings was produced — including general arrangement layouts, external elevations, and detailing of all bullnose and cladding components. These drawings captured the client’s design intent and ensured seamless coordination from fabrication to installation.

Internally, the layout includes a control room, kitchenette, accessible WC, and essential service zones, supporting day-to-day staffing and operational needs.

Results

The new modular gatehouse has strengthened stadium operations and improved the arrival experience for visitors. Delivered on time and within budget, the project demonstrates how modular construction can achieve complex architecture, high-profile branding requirements, and tight deadlines without compromising quality.

Key outcomes include:

  • A modern, secure, and visually aligned entrance facility

  • Seamless integration with existing stadium architecture

  • A bold exterior finish reflecting club colours and identity

  • A durable internal fit-out supporting staff and operational needs

  • A rapid programme, with installation and commissioning completed in just over two weeks

  • Minimal disruption throughout the build, maintaining match-day functionality

This project stands as a strong example of modular construction’s ability to support large-scale sports venues — offering speed, precision, and design versatility while meeting the expectations of Premier League-level stakeholders.