The Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM) welcomed HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh on Thursday last week to inaugurate their impressive new facility. As the Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Corps of Army Music, HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh was invited to inaugurate the new purpose-built facility in Sandhurst. The Band Facility is a state-of-the-art facility designed to support Army musicians. This flagship project exemplifies modern, sustainable design, combining new construction with the thoughtful refurbishment of historic buildings to create a unique military and educational environment.
Sandhurst Band Facility Officially Opened by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh
The building, now named The Duchess of Edinburgh Hall, is home to the Band of the Coldstream Guards and the Army Engagement Ensemble. Located at the heart of the Sandhurst estate, the Band Facility enables Army musicians to practice as a full ensemble, in smaller groups such as brass quintets and woodwind quartets, or individually, facilitating personal skills development. Combining contemporary architecture with refurbished historic infrastructure, the design includes solar panels and air source heat pumps to ensure energy efficiency, and the use of low-carbon materials reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Luke Riggall guides HRH through the multi award-winning Band Facility
Guests were greeted on arrival by Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General David Eastman as the Colonel Commandant of The Royal Corps of Army Music. Guests were then lead inside where Associate, Luke Riggall had the honour of guiding HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh through HLM Architects approach and delivery of the facility. He explained the key features and innovations behind this multi-award-winning project, including its ultra-low carbon Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) frame structure, acoustic performance, and harmony of historic architecture with contemporary design.
The official opening was made even more special with a musical demonstration presented by Major Justin Teggarty, Director of Music and Officer Commanding, Band of the Coldstream Guards. The performance showcased the remarkable acoustics of The Duchess of Edinburgh Hall, as the Band delivered an inspiring set that highlighted their technical excellence and the versatility of the new space.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside guests, were able to experience first-hand how the facility enhances musical performance and supports the development of Army musicians. The demonstration served as a fitting tribute to the Corps of Army Music’s continued dedication to excellence.
Historic Architecture meets contemporary design
The character and setting of the new facility have been thoughtfully integrated into the historic context of Sandhurst, preserving and enhancing the site’s heritage value. This has been achieved by blending new construction and the careful refurbishment of historic buildings to create a unique synergy between modern architecture and military heritage. At the core of the estate, the Band Facility is an essential venue for musical rehearsals, allowing RCAM to configure its spaces for brass quintets, woodwind quartets, and other ensemble setups. Beyond aesthetics, the project has pioneered a decarbonisation approach.
Pioneering Low-Carbon CLT Design in Military Infrastructure
One of the facility’s groundbreaking achievements lies in its use of ultra-low carbon cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a hybrid widespan steel portal frame, making it one of the first of its kind within the MOD estate. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates both the structural resilience of timber and sets a new standard for sustainable, low-carbon buildings. The main structural elements, constructed from visible-grade CLT, are supported by steelwork that enhances the CLT’s capacity in the wide-span main hall, creating an expansive, adaptable and high acoustic environment ideal for performances.
Driven by a design philosophy of sustainability and historical sensitivity, the Band Facility achieved a Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) ‘Excellent’ rating.
Looking Ahead
The Duchess of Edinburgh Hall is a home for musical artistry and a beacon of sustainability within the Defence estate. This achievement reflects a forward-thinking approach to military infrastructure, blending the past with the present to meet the current and future needs of British Army musicians.
