Roundhouse Works – Reed Watts Architects + Paddy Dillon

Roundhouse Works, designed by Paddy Dillon in collaboration with Reed Watts Architects and Allies and Morrison, is a dynamic new creative hub for young people located in the heart of the iconic Roundhouse campus in Camden, London. Completed in 2023, this innovative building doubles the Roundhouse’s outreach, now supporting up to 15,000 young creatives annually aged 11–30.

The facility provides state-of-the-art studios and multifunctional spaces tailored to nurture emerging talent. These include a bespoke large music studio, a triple-height circus and performance studio, a multi-use workshop studio, and a dedicated podcasting space operated by Transmission Roundhouse. In addition, the Inflexion Workspace offers affordable, flexible workspaces for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers, combining mentorship programs and networking opportunities with industry experts.

Sustainability is at the core of Roundhouse Works. The building features cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors, walls, and stairs sourced from sustainably managed trees, sequestering over 250 tonnes of CO2. The use of recycled railway sleepers on the facade reduces carbon emissions by 8 tonnes compared to conventional cladding materials. Further energy-efficient strategies include solar panels, LED lighting with automatic controls, electric vehicle charging points, and other green technologies, achieving BREEAM 'Excellent' accreditation—placing the building among the top 10% of environmentally performing non-domestic buildings in the UK.

Roundhouse Works is fully accessible, including a Space for Change facility, and has been realized through the generosity of private trusts, individuals, and corporate donors. Principal support came from the Inflexion Foundation, Simon Turner, and the Norman Trust, which generously donated the land.

This project exemplifies contemporary sustainable architecture, combining innovative design, social impact, and environmental stewardship to empower the next generation of creative talent in London.

Key Features:

• Large music studio, circus/performance studio, multi-use workshop, podcasting space
• Affordable workspace for creative entrepreneurs
• Mentorship programs and networking events
• Cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction
• Solar panels, LED lighting, EV charging points
• BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating
• Recycled railway sleeper facade
• Fully accessible and inclusive

Manufacturers & Materials: Stora Enso (Sylva™ CLT Floors, Stairs, Walls, Services), 3V Architectural Hardware, Astor Bannerman, Big Ferro, Chroma, Clark Doors, DANOSA, David Smith St Ives, Dolphin Solutions, Dorma UK, Eurban, High Performance, Ideal Standard, Intracat, J&C Joel, Junckers, Kawneer, Roofglaze, SAB Pyramid 50/504

Structural & Services Engineers: Momentum Engineering, Ingleton Wood

All photographs are works of Fred Haworth