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The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse

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  • Special Award:

    Access Award
    Read more about Special Awards
  • Level of Award:

    Special Award
  • Region:

    Greater London
  • Local Authority Area:

    Camden
  • Entrant:

    John McAslan + Partners
  • Architect:

    John McAslan + Partners
  • Developer:

    The Roundhouse Trust
  • Services Engineer:

    Buro Happold
  • Contractor:

    Tolent Construction Ltd
  • Quantity Surveyor:

    Gardiner & Theobold
  • Inclusive Design Consultant:

    David Bonnett Associates
  • Primary Use Class:

    D2b Concert Hall
  • Click here for winner's location

Information about this winner

A previous railway shed, gin warehouse and music venue, this superb scheme rescues an historic building and gives it a modern use, whilst meeting the latest demands of technology, accessibility and sustainability.  The building has been transformed into an attractive and well designed performance space, which can accommodate up to 3,500 people. A lightweight gallery around the performance hall increases the space's usability.  The Lighthouse is a central part of the community, being used by all ages and being highly visible from the street. It is extremely well supported by all who visit it, from visiting musicians and performers to local people. One of the key criteria for the redevelopment of the Roundhouse was that it should be accessible to all, including those with disabilities.  The detailing is clean, modern, subtle and elegant, and the beautiful structure of the railway shed is sensitively restored.  The scheme demonstrates how inclusive access can be incorporated into a building, with early consideration and good consultation. A group of disabled users were invited to identify access priorities and comment on proposed improvements.  This excellent building shows how access can be included as part of the integral design of the building, resulting in a truly integrated facility for all.

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