Blackstone Chambers
Temple, London EC4
Completion: May 2008
Blackstone Chambers, a respected barristers' chambers in the historic Temple, is expanding and needs to accommodate extra barristers and staff, but prefers to remain in the Temple area. The client needs to present a development proposal that respects its historic setting but at the same time exploits MoreySmith's skill at matching modern elements with older environments. The plan is to expand into two lower floors of an adjacent building, enclosing the basement level courtyard between the two. The process is further complicated by the fact that the site straddles two London boroughs and two conservation areas. Here we see a bridge across the lower courtyard, newly enclosed with a glass roof, leading to new meeting rooms on two levels.
The new entrance, on the lower ground floor, opens to the enclosed courtyard with a waiting and relaxing area furnished with comfortable seating. The L-shaped roof section at the far end is the bridge leading to the new upper level meeting room.
Looking back to the entrance and reception desk with a wall of endgrain timber panelling behind it. The textured wall on the right behind the floating vertical element is the original brick facade.
Inside the new upper level meeting room, looking back out on to the bridge. Glass walls maximise daylight where possible.