V&A Members’ Lounge
The V&A’s new Members’ Lounge is a flexible, contemporary space for its growing membership, set in a Grade I listed building designed by Sir Aston Webb in 1899 with many original features still in place. It includes general and private dining, study areas and a full catering kitchen.
Our Role
We were appointed to develop a sensitive design solution so the mechanical, electrical and public health services could be carefully installed in the listed space.
A glazed roof runs almost the full length of the lounge, so we carried out detailed modelling and thermal analysis to mitigate excess solar gain and heat loss during peak weather.
The Outcome
Our designs use passive ventilation to the lounge, with an efficient air source heat pump providing heating and cooling as needed. Additional lighting is surface mounted on the ceiling rather than recessed to minimise impact on the listed fabric.
A raised floor lets all service runs pass unobtrusively beneath, while roof mounted supply and extract fans provide the higher ventilation rates the kitchen needs.
Project Highlights
- Location: London
- Client: Victoria and Albert Museum
- Architect: Carmody Groarke
- Value: £1.3 million
- Grade I listed Aston Webb building of 1899
- Thermal modelling of a full length glazed roof
- Passive ventilation with air source heat pump
- Services: Building Services, Sustainability