Roundhouse Works

Project Info

Providing an essential creative outlet and stepping stone for young people in North London, this performing arts hub combines a cross-laminated timber structure with reclaimed timber cladding.

Located at the heart of the Roundhouse’s campus in Camden, Roundhouse Works provides a centre for talent development where 18–30-year-olds can grow their creative skills and business acumen.

The building houses a range of studios and workspaces over three floors. This includes state-of-the-art digital facilities, flexible learning space, affordable workspace and a triple-height studio for large-scale performing arts and circus training.

Timber has been used throughout the scheme for its inherent beauty, acoustic and environmental qualities. The street facade is clad in timber sleepers, reclaimed from the UK rail network. These rough and ready timbers bear the scars of their prior life and make reference to the original use of the Roundhouse as a turntable for rail locomotives. The sleepers have been used with as little wastage as possible, with 20mm planks cut from the external faces, while the remaining clean timber from the centre of each has been used for mullions and cladding above windows.

Inside, the building uses a CLT structure, which is exposed in key spaces, including the coworking space and large studio, and is combined with built-in plywood joinery elements.

Additional credits

Cladding Contractor: Eden Facades