National Theatre Studio

2006


During his time at Haworth Tompkins Architects in London, Thom was the project architect on the refurbishment of the National Theatre Studio.

The 1958 Grade 2* listed Brutalist concrete and brick ‘Studio’ by celebrated practice Lyons Israel & Ellis on Waterloo’s The Cut is the National Theatre’s engine room for the development of new talent. Masterworks like “His Dark Materials” began their gestation at the NTS.

A decision to relocate the National’s education studio and archive to the Studio provided the funding opportunity for a creative restoration of the building. In the process utilisable area was increased by 40% including a new prime studio equipped for musical dance theatre.

All services, external glazing, roofing plus the greater part of the interior were replaced and greatly improved theatrical equipment was installed throughout.

The superb composition of the original concrete frame was retained and emphasised, while the reconfigured interior has an understated manner with muted materials.

New doors and windows were crafted in douglas fir to match the original profiles.

Modern multi-story building with large windows and a brick facade at sunset, with cars and pedestrians on the street.
Empty dance studio with wooden floors, mirrored wall with ballet bars, and studio lighting overhead.
Empty rehearsal or performance studio with black chairs, white walls, a wooden partition, and stage lighting and equipment hanging from the ceiling.
Empty hallway with wooden paneling, brick wall, and track lighting along the ceiling.
Three men practicing yoga in a studio, standing in warrior pose with arms extended and knees bent, wearing casual workout clothing.
Office reception area with a wooden desk, computer, black chair, and a staircase with white railings leading upstairs, behind which a person is walking.
Black and white photo of a modern multi-story building with exposed concrete and large windows, set against a cloudy sky.
An indoor construction or renovation site with scaffolding, work tables, and workers. The space has high ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows near the ceiling, with some sunlight coming through. There are ladders, tools, and construction materials scattered around.