The Pitzhanger Hub Launches in Grounds of Historic Manor House
Will provide a space for volunteers and local community groups
Design inspired by many of Pitzhanger’s features created by Sir John Soane
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery has unveiled the Pitzhanger Hub, a meeting and learning space for its volunteers and community, within the grounds of the historic manor house. The project follows the three-year restoration of the Manor and Gallery, which was completed in March 2019.
The new space provides Pitzhanger’s large team of volunteers with a dedicated area to relax, socialise and access training and development activities. The space is also intended for local community and charity groups to meet. The Pitzhanger Hub has meeting equipment including computers, projector and a board table and workspace for up to 16.
The project team led by Jo Townshend Architects (JTA) has created a contemporary building within the Grade 1 listed courtyard space of the original Georgian lodge which it says was inspired by many of Pitzhanger’s features designed by leading British architect Sir John Soane.
Several aspects of Soane’s work were explored during the development of the design including roof lanterns and the play of light, buildings within buildings and ceiling architecture.
To create the new space, the existing listed Georgian courtyard walls of the lodge were built up to a constant height to create a datum – a straight line reference point for the building. A lantern, with clerestorey glazing to create a row of windows above eye level, was placed above providing natural light to the new space created within.
The form of Soane’s famous ‘handkerchief ceilings’ was dissected and mirrored across both axes to create an undulating ceiling-scape, lower at the centre and rising towards the perimeter. To introduce a sense of spatial fragmentation, the ceiling-scape was formed from a series of vertical fins running across the building, created by innovative CNC technology and assembled on site.
Much of the existing fabric and foundations were reused to reduce the embodied carbon energy of the project, which in turn helped to make the project cost effective. The ground floor internal walls and roof were all built from timber and the building was concrete and steel free, with the exception of small areas of underpinning required.
Clare Gough, Director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, said, “The design team have responded so intelligently and imaginatively to our brief to take Soane’s architecture as inspiration for a contemporary building alongside the historic lodge. The resulting space is light filled and uplifting and I am confident it will inspire the many people who will use it and work here. We are delighted to have been able to work with Jo Townshend Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Aecom and the full project team to champion here at Pitzhanger creative and elegant modern design and deliver a new building that will significantly enhance our volunteers’ and community’s experience.”
Jo Townshend said, “We aimed to produce a building which was sensitive and responsive to its unique context but without lacking in ambition and are delighted with the bold yet cost-effective solution that this space offers. We were delighted for the opportunity to work alongside Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Trust on the Pitzhanger Hub and hope the space will continue to provide to the local community and volunteers for years to come.”
Jeremy Darroch said, “We are delighted to have been able to support the brilliant team at Pitzhanger, as they continue the restoration of the Manor and Gallery and hope the Pitzhanger Hub becomes an important addition for all of the many volunteers”.
A celebration of Pitzhanger Hub’s opening will take place on Sunday 3 July featuring a family modelling workshop using recycled materials. Led by artist facilitator Kirsten Lyle, the session will focus on how Jo Townshend Architects took inspiration from John Soane’s designs to create the new space. Other activities will include storytelling through, music, dance and story with Usifu Jalloh.
A panel discussion featuring architect Jo Townshend, structural engineer Steve Webb from Webb Yates Engineers and Harbinder Birdi (Hawkins\Brown Architects) is taking place on Wednesday 6 July at 6.30pm. Pitzhanger Design Series: Creating Pitzhanger Hub will explain how Soane’s architecture has been interpreted in a modern context.
To find out more about hiring the space email private.hire@pitzhanger.org.uk.
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June 15, 2022