The Pitzhanger Hub wins 2024 RIBA London Award.
We are thrilled to announce that the Pitzhanger Hub, known as the Rachel Darroch Room, at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery has won the prestigious 2024 RIBA London Award! This recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects, awarded to buildings across the UK for their significant contribution to architecture, is a testament to the work of Jo Townshend Architects. It is their design which so beautifully embodies Sir John Soane, the architect of Pitzhanger and his visionary spirit.
The RIBA Regional Jury praised Jo Townshend’s ability to address the question “What would Soane do today?” and innovative and sustainable approach. They noted how the building “draws inspiration from Soane’s innovative principals, incorporating various motifs such as buildings within buildings, lanterns and the play of light“.
The Jury also praised the timber ceiling, reminiscent of Soane’s famous ‘handkerchief ceilings’ found in Pitzhanger Manor. This design creates an undulating ‘ceiling-scape’, formed by a series of vertical fins spanning the width of the building. Above, a glazed lantern sits over the existing masonry walls, allowing natural daylight to suffuse the interior and creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
“It was a pleasure to work with Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Trust to provide a welcoming space for the network of Pitzhanger’s volunteers and the local community in Ealing, and we hope it sets a precedent for what can be achieved on a compact backland site.”
Jo Townshend, Director of Jo Townshend Architects
“We are delighted with this intelligent and sensitive interpretation of our brief to reflect Soane’s continued architectural inspiration as one of the most innovative architects of his time. Jo Townshend Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Aecom and the full project team have championed beautiful design by creating an elegant, modern, and welcoming space which will significantly enhance our volunteer and community experience at Pitzhanger.”
Clare Gough, Director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
We are delighted with this award and the recognition it brings to everyone who worked so hard to make it a reality.
| Architect: | Jo Townshend Architect |
| Client: | Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Trust |
| Structural Engineer: | WebbYates Engineers |
| Other Consultants: | Aecom Engineers (Feasibility & Concept Design), CNC Projects (CNC Plywood Fins), Studio Dekka Ltd (Lighting) |
| Principal Designer: | Jo Townshend Architects |
| Approved Building Inspector: | Ealing Council |
| Main contractor: | JK London Construction Ltd |
You can hire the Pitzhanger Hub for your events by contacting our events team at events@pitzhanger.org.uk
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All images ©️ Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Photo by Andy Stagg.
Categories Pitzhanger News
Tags Architecture News RIBA
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Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticketing, Opening Hours and Tour Enquiries: foh@pitzhanger.org.uk
Retail Enquires: retail@pitzhanger.org.uk
Reception: 020 3985 8888
Venue Hire: 020 3994 0966
Office: 020 3994 0967
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
First Thursday of the month: 10:00 - 20:00
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Bank Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last admissions one hour before closing
Partial Closure: 6 November, all day
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed all day on Thursday 6 November for a private event. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All other rooms will be open as usual during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Wedding Open Day reminder: Noon - 4pm
Please note that although our Manor House remains open as normal, we are hosting our Wedding Open Day across the Manor space on 25th October 2025. Artworks in the Manor will be available as normal.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 26–28 September
From Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September, only Pitzhanger Manor will be open while Pitzhanger Gallery remain closed for exhibition changeover.
General Admission will be reduced to £8 during this time. The Bella Pūlia Café and the Pitzhanger Shop will also be open.
Our new exhibition Howard Hodgkin: In a Public Garden opens on Wednesday 1 October.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 18 October, 11.30am–5pm
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 11.30am–5pm on Saturday 18 October for a private event. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 31 October, 1–3.30pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–3.30pm on Friday 31 October for a private event. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Gallery Access on Curator’s Talk Evening
Please note that 13 November, the Gallery will close at 6pm for the Curator’s Talk with Richard Calvocoressi and Nicholas Serota. From 5pm, there may be some set-up activity in the space, though it will remain open and accessible for ticket holders.
If you do not have a ticket for the talk, we recommend planning your visit a little earlier in the day to enjoy the full exhibition.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 6 November, 10am–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 10am–5pm on Thursday 6 November for a private event. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 9 November, 10am–3pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 10am–3pm on Sunday 9 November for a private event. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
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