On a tight budget and an even tighter deadline, Glass Hill delivered an open, modern and flexible interior within the Grade 2 listed Darwin building on Kensington Gore, London – the Royal College of Art’s ARTbar.
The design and choice of materials was a balance between dynamic space filling surfaces and a desire for a subtle restoration of the modernist building fabric and detailing. The original flooring was re-discovered, as was the full ceiling height and dramatic fine metal frame windows.
The buildings familiar language of stone, render and timber was expanded into the new bar elements.
The 17m long high-backed seating unit reflects light back into the space and also provides hanging for coats and bags, but can also hold the custom made wooden stools – allowing the space to be cleared almost completely for a variety of events. Just as the DJ desk which can be pulled out from the wall.
