Eton School Hall, Windsor

Eton College’s Grade II-listed Memorial Hall, which dates back to 1908, has been lovingly conserved and restored after years of incremental adaptations, re-establishing the spirit of place. A combination of elegant design solutions have dramatically improved the performance of the building, thermally, functionally, visually and acoustically.  

The brief called for a high-class performance space and Hopkins Architects, together with theatre consultant Charcoalblue, has delivered a highly coordinated and refined design which exceeds the client’s brief and expectations. This design and construction required a thorough understanding of the building and where it could be upgraded in a visible, confident yet unobtrusive way.  

The whole building has been stripped back, repaired, and renovated with great attention to detail. The ornate ceiling over the hall was taken down in order to remove asbestos and improve airtightness and insulation. 

The intricate mouldings were documented and recast before reinstating. Careful coordination was required to suspend new elements such as the acoustic array and projection screen and ensure these worked effectively with the architecture, reflected ceiling plan and structure above.  

Refined secondary glazing with acoustic absorption in the reveals has enhanced the thermal performance and greatly reduced external noise from low-flying aircraft approaching Heathrow Airport. A slender slot appears as a shadow gap in the arch above the windows, allowing blinds to drop down to prevent glare while also adjusting the acoustics and reverberation times within the hall. New lighting has been integrated to allow for a range of settings, celebrating the architecture as well as enhancing stage performances. 

The materials are both subtle and sumptuous, ranging from polished Venetian plaster through to the highly refined plaster ceiling and dark timber panelling. A reconfigured plan and section have increased access and accommodated ventilation routes; a new platform lift accesses a green room and greatly expanded toilet provision. 

The floor was removed and works undertaken to the basement storage underneath, strengthening and waterproofing before introducing a tilting floor which can transform the hall. One day it can have level access throughout, and the next it can have raked seating for performances, supported by a retractable stage according to the production’s requirements. Overall this careful overhaul has exceeded expectations and adapted the hall for future generations.