Design Museum

The new home for London’s Design Museum is located within the former Commonwealth Institute, bringing back to life a 1960s Modernist landmark and cultural destination which had long stood empty. Grade ll*, our team’s remit was to prepare the listed structure for the interior fit out by John Pawson. Refurbishment required extensive and technically complex modifications to the structural frame, creating a new basement and floor slabs, whilst temporarily ‘propping’ the distinctive parabolic roof throughout. A new facade meets the contemporary technical, operational and security requirements for the Design Museum, yet upholds the character and qualities of the original building. Fenestration was carefully replicated, a rich grid pattern of mullions and transoms of varying depths. Original materials along with stained glass panels and other artworks were restored and reinstated.