The transformation of the previously vacant site of the 18th century Royal London Hospital complex to create a new community hub. The existing grade II listed building was retained and refurbished, and a new wraparound exposed concrete extension was built to create the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ town hall. The regeneration of this heavily constrained site is part of the ongoing regeneration of Whitechapel.
The team prioritised sustainability and minimal intervention throughout the design, devising intelligent solutions to retain as much of the existing structure as possible and providing flexibility for future adaptation in the new extension.
The team worked collaboratively to limit repairs and replacement in the complex existing building, creating large savings in embodied carbon through the retention of the historic structure.
The sympathetic repairs, allowed for the careful insertion of new lift shafts and service openings within the existing fabric. Introducing large, steel box frames at ground floor level enabled the team to make a feature of the existing historic steelwork while opening up the space.