An accessible visitor shop and events space

The Undercroft, Hampton Court Palace

Adapting a Tudor beer and ale storage

The Undercroft at Hampton Court Palace has been transformed into a shop and events space, carefully balancing conservation and contemporary upgrades.

The Hampton Court Palace undercroft lies beneath the Great Hall, which was built based on the instructions of Henry VIII between 1529-40. A series of rooms characterised by floor-to-ceiling unmoulded timber posts and bressummer beams, the underground space was used to store the King’s beer and ale.

Access has been improved through adding a full-width oak ramp and platform, leading to the new shop. Flowing neatly between key points, the ramp accommodates a new oak and glass lobby, while minimising loss of useable floor space and allowing the discrete installation of new services. A matching ramp incorporating low-level lighting was installed in the Wine Cellar, providing ramped access here for the first time.

Enhancing the space

Thoughtful contemporary additions further enhance the space. New mild steel black balustrading reflects the existing utilitarian steel strap and bolt repairs to the Tudor timbers throughout the rooms. Retail units, designed by Kindersley Kent Design, use sustainably sourced bamboo, powder-coated steel, valchromat and copper details – contemporary details complementing the simplicity of the existing and new architecture.

A new lighting scheme by DHA illuminates the retail space while offering lighting bars and alternative configurations for events use. The freestanding retail units can be removed and fixed units screened off with bespoke panels for this purpose.

Alongside these upgrades, sensitive conservation work was undertaken including lime repointing, repairs to the plasterwork and rooms decorated using breathable silicate paint.