Ladywell Playtower Refurbishment
London | Commercial | 2023
Once a bathhouse and home to the local swimmers and gymnasts club, the Ladywell Playtower, a graceful Victorian building, had been left neglected for the past 20 years. The Play at the Playtower project seeks to reawaken the fading charm of this Grade II listed structure in Ladywell, while adapting it for contemporary use. The aim was to breathe new life into the building by exploring the future of work and how it intersects with the daily lives of locals after the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Inspired by the shifts in work-life dynamics brought on by the global pandemic, the design focuses on how work and private life can coexist within the same space. The concept incorporates a multi-facility children’s sports centre alongside a co-working area for parents. This dual-purpose design was created to meet the needs of modern families, offering an environment that blends active recreation and productivity in a way that feels natural and integrated.
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The sports centre includes a refurbished pool, a ballet studio within the historic building, and an extension at the back of the Playtower that houses a tennis court. The co-working space is partly located in the original structure, with additional co-working pods designed to sit in the garden. These pods, half-sunken into the ground, are strategically positioned between trees to preserve the natural landscape and avoid disrupting the existing street elevation. The design of both the pods and tennis court ensures that the building’s original appearance and the site’s natural topography remain undisturbed.
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The project began with an understanding of the building’s history and the community’s needs. Our vision was to honour the original architectural features of the Playtower while integrating modern elements that reflect the changing landscape of work and play. We worked to preserve the building’s Victorian charm while ensuring the space could accommodate the various functions of a children’s sports centre and a co-working environment for parents.
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One of the main challenges in this project was adapting the existing structure to meet modern standards while preserving the Playtower’s historic value. We carefully restored key architectural features of the Playtower and introduced contemporary design elements, ensuring a harmonious balance between the old and new. The design also had to maximise functionality, ensuring both the sports centre and co-working space met the needs of modern families without feeling fragmented.
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This project was part of Bachelor’s thesis at Ravensbourne University’s Interior Design Environment Architecture program (ARB Part 1 accredited).
Tucked into the Playtower’s garden, the individual co-working pods offers a peaceful retreat for focused work. Half sunken into the ground and surrounded by greenery, it creates a private yet connected environment where nature and productivity meet.
The light oak curved desk maximises comfort and function, while the overhead skylight floods the pod with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and reinforcing the project’s sustainable ethos. It’s a quiet sanctuary that embodies the balance of heritage setting and contemporary work culture.
Inside, the communal co-working zone encourages connection and creativity. Situated within the historic Playtower, the space combines original architectural details with modern joinery and furniture, creating a warm, open atmosphere.
Large shared tables, crafted from pale timber, invite group discussions and collaborative projects, while integrated task lighting ensures functionality at all times of day. The design intentionally leaves traces of the building’s history exposed, letting its story remain part of the daily working environment.
The outdoor community garden serves as both a social and restorative space, linking the co-working facilities with the children’s sports areas. Paths are lined with greenery and informal seating to encourage spontaneous conversation or quiet breaks in the fresh air. The co-working pods are carefully nestled amid the existing trees, deliberately positioned so that not a single tree had to be removed - a gesture of respect and coexistence with the natural landscape.
This thoughtful integration allows nature to remain a defining feature of the space, with dappled light and seasonal change shaping the garden’s atmosphere. As a result, it becomes a gentle, transitional zone where different users of the Playtower - from local residents to visiting professionals - naturally cross paths, reinforcing the building’s role as a shared community hub.
Once a derelict Victorian bathhouse, the swimming pool has been meticulously restored into a serene, light-filled leisure space. Its soaring arches and original structural framework have been preserved, with every effort made to retain the building’s historic character. The subtle bronze detailing - original to the bathhouse - has been carefully cleaned and conserved, allowing its aged patina to tell the story of over a century of use.
Restored arched windows flood the space with natural light, which dances across the water’s surface and highlights the rich texture of the exposed brick walls. The design honours the building’s layered history while reintroducing it as a contemporary wellness destination - a tranquil yet exciting environment that connects the Playtower’s Victorian past with its vibrant new chapter.
Located in the whole of first floor, the dance studio offers a graceful retreat for movement and performance. Soft pastel tones, pale timber flooring and full-length mirrors create a calm, uplifting atmosphere, while the exposed rafters remind dancers of the building’s heritage.
Daylight streams through windows, bringing a sense of openness and energy to the space. The studio is adaptable for both classes and rehearsals, embodying the project’s goal of combining historic character with modern function.
The newly built tennis court extension combines refined materiality with a design that supports active use. Inside, rich wood panelling wraps the walls, bringing warmth and acoustic softness to the space, while a perforated copper skylight filters daylight in shifting patterns, casting a dynamic play of shadows across the court.
This subtle choreography of form and light elevates the experience beyond pure function, creating an environment that is as atmospheric as it is practical. Positioned at the rear of the site, the extension sits respectfully alongside the historic Playtower, preserving the original Victorian street elevations of the building. Its contemporary character signals a confident yet deferential addition - enhancing the site’s facilities without overshadowing its architectural heritage.
Frequently asked questions
How can reuse be incorporated into a home interior design refurbishment project?
We prioritise reuse over demolition in every project, whether it's the structure, furniture or other elements. For the Ladywell Playtower, we focused on reusing existing components, such as the historic structure and repurposing materials like wood, stone and steel. Additionally, we incorporated upcycled materials for furniture and fixtures to minimise waste. This approach not only preserves the building's character but also supports a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly design. For personalised guidance on how to incorporate reuse in your home renovation project, consider booking a consultation with us!
How do you approach reusing existing structures during a home interior renovation?
Reusing existing structures is a core principle at our interior design studio. For home renovations, we start by assessing the building’s structural integrity and identifying elements that can be preserved or repurposed. Whether it's a vintage piece of furniture, original flooring or architectural features like beams and windows, we aim to preserve or upcycle as much as possible. This allows us to create a design that is both sustainable and meaningful, ensuring that your home retains its history while being updated for modern needs.
Can I integrate modern amenities into a historic building while maintaining its original character?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to integrate modern amenities into a historic building while preserving its character. In the Ladywell Playtower project, we maintained the Victorian features of the building and enhanced them with modern additions, such as the sports facilities and co-working spaces. We ensured the balance of old and new by using contemporary design elements that complemented the original structure and by selecting materials that both respected and enhanced the historic character.
Can you design an extension for a buildings?
While our studio does not make structural changes to buildings, as we are not accredited by the Architects' Registration Board (ARB), we can collaborate closely with a qualified architect to help you achieve your vision. If your renovation requires an extension or structural alterations, we can assist in the design process and work with an architect to ensure that the design is both functional and aligns with your goals, while meeting all necessary regulations.
How to integrate modern design into historic buildings?
When working with historic buildings, we focus on preserving key architectural elements while introducing modern design elements to enhance functionality and meet contemporary needs. For the Ladywell Playtower, we maintained its Victorian charm by preserving structural elements, such as the original brickwork, while integrating modern facilities like a multi-functional sports centre and co-working space. The aim was to create a seamless blend of old and new, ensuring the building’s character is respected while serving its modern purpose.
What are the challenges of working with a listed building?
Working with a listed building, such as the Ladywell Playtower, comes with the challenge of adhering to preservation guidelines while ensuring the space meets modern requirements. We had to carefully balance the building’s historical features with modern upgrades, including structural modifications and new uses for the space. It’s crucial to collaborate with conservation specialists and local authorities to ensure that any changes align with heritage regulations while meeting the functional needs of the new design.