White Cube, Mason`s Yard

White Cube, Mason’s Yard
Private Gallery
Location: London
Completion Date: September 2006
Construction Value: £6 million
Client: White Cube
Structural Engineer: Atelier One
Contractor: Cosmur Ltd.
Project Manager: Malcolm Reading Associates
A new build 12,000 sq ft art gallery
in a courtyard within the St. James’s
conservation area in central London.  
The design was developed to respect the
key qualities of discretion and reserve
that form the character of St James’.
Mason’s Yard is entered though a number
of footpaths and covered passageways. 
Within an array of mismatched brick
structures which comprise the perimeter of
the courtyard, White Cube’s formal restraint
creates a contrast while retaining the core
characteristic of discretion. At ground level
concrete panels wrap around the base of
the structure.  Above the concrete, the
rendered volume is cut with a series of
precise light slots.  A glass box extends
further above the render.  
The project required the excavation of
an 8 metre deep basement to provide a
large underground gallery which receives
natural light through a pair of long slots
cut into the courtyard paving.  On ground
level the building has a gallery directly
accessed from the courtyard with offices,
private viewing rooms and a roof terrace
located on the three upper levels.  
The project also included a complete
resurfacing of the courtyard that surrounds
the gallery.
White Cube, Masons Yard
MRJ RUNDELL + ASSOCIATES LTD
Architecture & Design Services
White Cube, Masons Yard
MRJ RUNDELL + ASSOCIATES LTD
Architecture & Design Services