Sothebyís, New Bond Street, London W1

A contemporary design-led structure was commissioned to provide an additional 400m2 of flexible gallery space for the leading auctioneer situated between St. George Street and New Bond Street.

The proposed lightñweight steel structure, clad in metal sheeting, floats dramatically above the auctioneerís gallery lantern-lights redefining the site contextually and programmatically.

The gallery serves as a chain-link between the New Bond Street and St. George Street complexes. It extends the existing lift and stair cores at the North and South edges of the site and connects with the existing buildings through a spiral staircase and a glass bridge.

Full height glazing is proposed on the East and South facades, ensuring lightness to the structure as well as a transparent and animated relationship with the surrounding buildings.

On the north-facing elevation, direct sunlight is controlled by mechanically-operated louvres that serve as hanging surfaces when in the closed position. Three smaller private exhibition spaces are located on the North side of the floor-space with the core area occupying the South side.

In 2007, Westminster City Council granted the scheme planning permission to acclaim in both the architectural and local press.

Architects: Paul Davis + Partners, London.
Alex Cochrane was Project Architect and Design Team Leader throughout the project.