FaulknerBrowns have announced they will design the ‘Beacon of Light’, a sport, wellness and education facility in Sunderland UK. The building will be the permanent home for football club Sunderland AFC (SAFC).

The Beacon of Light project is backed by the club's Foundation of Light charity and will be the first of its kind, incorporating sport, health and education in one facility.

The site, next to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, will have an indoor football zone on the perched roof of the educational and training facilities. Constructed from lightweight opaque materials, the building will be illuminated at night.

Michael Hall, sports partner at FaulknerBrowns, says the buiding will be a simple, striking cube with an engaging interior: "On entering visitors will be presented with a busy 'street' with inspirational zones for education, the world of work, health and wellbeing and sport and play. All will be clearly marked and enjoy excellent views into the sports arena.”

Former SAFC Chairman and Chair of Trustees of the Foundation of Light, Sir Bob Murray CBE said: “I have no doubt the Beacon of Light will become a building of national importance and international reputation. The architecture will be leading edge and will epitomise the pioneering approach and work of the Foundation.”

About FaulkerBrowns:

FaulknerBrowns are sports and leisure architects with a long track record. Other projects include Aberdeen's £22m Aquatics Centre and a large scale watersport centre and oyster hatchery in Swansea Bay.

To find out more about FaulknerBrowns as a practice, take a look at our Architect Profile.