somerset house expansion

This proposal was prepared for the Somerset House Trust as a response to their request for a series of new interventions that will expand the offering and capacity of Somerset House as a World Heritage Site and art venue of international renown.

The brief included a flexible auditorium space which could be transformed from a flat floor arrangement for large art exhibitions and banquets to a theatre space accommodating up to 500 people. This theatre space would be positioned between the West and New Wings, in a space vacated by the demolition of the former HMRC Revenue Rooms.

Above this new urban green oasis was proposed enclosed by an expressive timber gridshell greenhouse. A variety of non-indigenous and tropical plants would be on show in an informal way while an open area would provide for exhibitions and gatherings. Bridging and providing new access north to south through the precinct, the gardens would provide a much needed respite from the surrounding built-up urban realm.

Office space fronting the Strand would be provided as a new co-working offering while also housing the offices of the Trust. Inverted classical forms were chosen to expand on the visual language of the adjacent Classical buildings.