In 2008, Chapman Architects were appointed to carry out the initial briefing, detailed design, contract administration and project management for a new debenture lounge located within the RFU’s South Stand redevelopment of Twickenham Stadium. The lounge was to provide an informal area for corporate hospitality on match days.
The brief was to create a high-impact space that would be perceived as being very different from ordinary corporate hospitality lounges. The lounge was required to provide space for dining and socializing for 500 people. The project was fast track, with the requirement that it be completed on time to for the first match day. Chapman Architects achieved this, completing the whole project in just 16 weeks.
Chapman Architects designed this scheme to create a dramatic and memorable space, with high visual impact. This has been achieved through a creative combination of artificial lighting and a gallery of images that celebrate the sport of Rugby. Collectively, these elements give the lounge a unique identity that is both contemporary and contextual.
The lounge is located over two levels, connected by a lift and staircase. The lower level provides informal space for 300 people, whilst the upper level has a more formal atmosphere and will accommodate 200 people for formal dining. Kitchens and bars are located within the space for the provision of food and drink to order.
Apart from the fast track nature of this project, one of challenges was the necessity to undertake the works while the main South Stand project was being completed whilst also coordinating the works to fit with the site base build services.
