Architect：Jonathan Tuckey Design

Location：London, United Kingdom

Project Year：2020

Category：Offices

Jonathan Tuckey Design’s new office is the conversion of a derelict pub in West London – dating back to 1884 – into a new studio, and doubles in function as a gallery and lecture theatre. The office can be found in the shadow of the V&A’s Blythe House and around the corner from Olympia and the new Design Museum.

James Brittain

Sitting within an immediate local scene of eclectic Victorian architecture, from the outset we felt it was important to collaborate with this context. Traditionally pubs are places that foster conversations about local issues, and the intention was to extend this to include discussions about cities and their communities. The former pub will continue its function as an ‘urban living room’ but now through exhibitions, talks and community engagement. The project demonstrates what one can do within existing built fabric and the practice looks forward to welcoming friends and collaborators into the new space.

James Brittain

The studio retains many of the pub’s original elements, embracing its Victorian heritage and protecting its presence on the street corner. During the renovation process, original exterior tiles were uncovered and retained to reveal a layer of the building’s past which had long been hidden. An open dialogue is created by the series of large windows that reveal the inner displays and an externally facing meeting room that opens out towards the street.

James Brittain

The insertion of a freestanding timber volume into a large void created by removing part of the existing ground floor provides a new platform, and simultaneously creates an integrated storage system while allowing natural light to filter down to a workshop and lecture theatre. A double height mirrored wall at the foot of the stairs alludes a continuation of the interior facade of the Victorian windows and vaulted arches.