We designed the spaces with flexibility in mind, so Historic Royal Palaces can use them in a variety of ways to respond to changing visitor needs and special event requirements. Thanks to considered spatial and customer journey planning, the various zones work effectively at different times of day and year, whether it’s quiet or very busy.

The new, purpose-built Lower Courtyard includes a 3,600 sq ft café and a 2,000 sq ft retail and welcome area. We designed a warm and welcoming environment that includes contemporary industrial touches alongside traditional heritage design cues.

There is a classic understated elegance throughout. A key feature is the beautifully designed floor, which transitions from wood-pattern tiles laid in a herringbone pattern to a diagonal square design of ‘timber’ and grey stone tiles.

While the works were being carried out, a number of exciting discoveries were made in the area including the remains of the original eighteenth-century Hot House walls. We incorporated an original brick greenhouse wall into the Lower Courtyard’s servery and café to create a ‘walled garden’ feel. We carried out research into how customers use similar spaces to define best practice for the servery area, zoning the space to ensure that it’s easy to navigate and use even during very busy periods.