One of the many projects Walters & Cohen undertook on the framework for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is the extension of the Stables Restaurant at Wakehurst Place, Kew’s sister garden in West Sussex.
The original stable block, located to the north of the mansion at Wakehurst Place, is a Grade II listed U-shaped block with a courtyard to the east side. In 1989 the ground floor of the north wing was converted into the main seating area of the restaurant, and our extension within the courtyard provides improved servery arrangements and more indoor seating.
The design does not seek to mimic the existing building but complements the architectural features of the stables. The single-storey infill minimises a physical connection to the existing stone buildings flanking the courtyard. The infill comprises a series of pre-cast concrete portal frames supporting a solid roof; a band of roof glazing supported on a stainless steel angle holds the roof off the existing stone elevations of the courtyard and avoids cutting into them.
The project received design and conservation awards from Mid-Sussex District Council.
