Sprunt completes new learning centre for College

Sprunt has completed a project to transform a grade 2* listed library at Westminster Kingsway College in to a contemporary learning centre featuring a striking, semi-glazed steel grid mezzanine floor.

As part of a three-year framework agreement with Westminster Kingsway College, design and consultancy practice Sprunt has completed a GBP950,000 project to transform a grade 2* listed library at the college's Victoria Centre campus in Victoria, in to a contemporary learning centre featuring a striking, semi-glazed steel grid mezzanine floor.

The completely demountable structure, which is edged by detailed glass and steel balustrading and houses an open steel staircase leading down to the ground floor learning zone, has been imaginatively designed by the architects to maintain a sense of open space created by Goodhart-Rendel during the 1930s.

Furthermore, as permission could not be granted to modify the windows in any way, Sprunt has installed a glass floor to the mezzanine floor, providing daylight to the ground floor level of the building in a radical way.

Conceptualised as a small theatre in the 1930s, and subsequently converted in to a library during the 1950s, the works carefully retain important elements of the building's heritage allowing for its possible return to theatrical use at a later stage, in accordance with English Heritage and City of Westminster Planners' requirements.

And in order to create additional well-lit, usable space, Sprunt has cleverly introduced two further mezzanine levels.

For example, a balcony mezzanine floor laid over the building's existing terraced balcony seating, features glazed partitioning and glass floor throughout, as well as providing a new entrance to the library.

A third mezzanine floor above the stage creates room for offices, study areas and storage.

Ian Jamieson, director, Sprunt, said: "We operated throughout with an awareness of the building's history and sensitivity to its future, and are satisfied that our design provides an innovative, yet sensible solution to the college's evolving needs".

As part of the refurbishment programme, alterations made to the building during the 1970s have subsequently been undone to restore the space to its former glory such as restoration of Goodhart-Rendel's striking proscenium arch.

Sprunt's other projects for Westminster Kingsway College include 01ZeroOne, the acclaimed creative learning laboratory in Peter Street, Soho and refurbishment of the Vincent Room and Escoffier Fine Dining restaurants.

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