Pitzhanger Hub, a space for Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery volunteers as well as the wider community including charities and organisation to use for meetings, networking and other activities has now opened.
The exciting new area, which is also named as The Rachel Darroch Room, comes as Pitzhanger Manor celebrates three years since the restoration of the historic building in Ealing which promotes the legacy of architect Sir John Soane and who built the house between 1800 and 1804 in Ealing’s Walpole Park.
The Pitzhanger Hub can accommodate up to 16 people with computers, projector and a board table.
Much of Soane’s own work and vision has helped to inspire the restoration of his house including use of roof lanterns and the play of light, buildings within buildings and ceiling architecture. The project was led by Jo Townshend Architects (JTA).
“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,” said Clare Gough, director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. “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, architect of Pitzhanger explained the thought behind their work. “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,” she said. “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.”
Businessman and former CEO of broadcaster BSKyB Jeremy Darroch, who helped raise the funding for the Hub added: “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”.
