PROJECT REPORT: COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS 31
THE GRAMOPHONE WORKS LONDON
Finding a new groove
As a prominent adaptive reuse scheme on the Grand Union Canal in West London, The Gramophone Works sees Studio RHE employing modern timber technology to create a healthy work environment which also sustains the former record label HQ’s vibrant spirit. Jack Wooler reports
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laying a new riff on a canalside landmark in west London, The Gramophone Works project has transformed a historic industrial and music industry building into an innovative commercial space. The building was formerly home to an industrial fabrics factory, and later the head office and manufacturing for Saga Records (who owned famous reggae label Trojan, leading the building to be seen as the epicentre of reggae in London). A mix of refurbished, extended and new-build office spaces, the project utilises CLT and glulam timber to expand upon the retained structures. Across the nearly 90,000 ft2 of space, The Gramophone Works offers a number of amenities for client Resolution Property to tempt SME businesses, including a canal-side cafe, communal reception facilities, secure bike parking, changing facilities, and generous external above-ground spaces. Split between The Dock – the larger, 64,000 ft2 structure which has been extended upwards by three timber storeys – and the smaller counterpart The Studio – 19,000 ft2, with a slightly more industrial, concrete-heavy style – the composition now features distinctive new design which take cues from the historic heritage. The client commissioned Studio RHE to realise this design, together with contractor Graham Construction. Together, the team have created a significant new commercial
ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
hub that demonstrates a striking approach to adaptive reuse, one which minimises embodied carbon by almost completely reusing one building, as well as the existing two level structure beside it, and adding four additional floor levels of lightweight timber structure on top of the latter. In part because of this construction method, the characterful waterside project has been rated BREEAM Excellent as well as Wired Gold, and has already gained industry acclaim for its sustainability credentials.
Waterside working
Located on the edge of the Grand Union Canal in Kensal Green, the area is bordered by Queen’s Park, Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove – and is, say the architects, West London’s “best-kept secret.” “It’s a fringe area with a long creative history and a sense of individualism,” explains Tom Foster, design director at project architects Studio RHE. “It offered an exciting opportunity to retain this history, while bringing much-needed workspaces to the area.”
Among the new landscaped public realm between Kensal Road and the canal, the first phase of the project is already in use. Completed in 2018, Phase One involved the comprehensive refurbishment and reinvention of the Saga Centre, formerly the HQ of the record label. A straightforward refurbishment of the original 20th century
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