Bryden Wood the integrated design and operations consultancy for the built environment, has been working with Great Western Studios for over ten years. Phase 1 of their building was completed in 2009, consisting of three storeys. Work is now complete on Phase 2 of the project, which provides an additional two floors. The additional floors have been constructed whilst the building has remained open for business and operational.
Great Western Studios provides studio spaces for the creative industries to flourish and is located in Notting Hill, where Paddington meets Maida Vale. The studios are an urban contrast nestled between the Grand Union Canal and the Westway, an elevated dual carriageway section of the A40 trunk road in west London.
The building is made up of over 100 studios, some of which overlook the Grand Union Canal. Each workspace has good ceiling height, polished concrete floors, as well as open plan and communal access to the garden and courtyard. All studios run round a central atrium, that serves as a communal space. A gallery has housed many exhibitions by renowned artists and designers from all over the world including: Darren Almond, Damien Hirst, Emily Young and Tom Dixon. Several companies are also based at Great Western Studios including: Bethan Gray (Product Designer) and Orlebar Brown (Fashion Designer)
The Alpine Group was commissioned to extend the building by two more floor levels in steel, putting the building well above the busy A40 London, all steel was erected with spider cranes. All internal staircases, walkways and balustrades were also supplied as part of their service.
Paul O’Neill – Bryden Wood Architecture Board Director commenting said: “Great Western Studios is an inspirational and stimulating work environment. It has been a complex process to add a further two storeys to our Phase 1 project, with the building remaining occupied, and the site constraints of Westway and Regent’s Park canal. We are delighted with how the project has progressed. The building is flooded with light, provided to the centre of the building by the internal glazed atrium, below which is home to a cafe and gallery space. We are creating additional great space to work.”
