After undergoing its most ambitious redevelopment in over 20 years, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is now home to the brand-new ArtPlay Pavilion, an interactive space for children.
The Villeroy & Boch Group has provided bathroom solutions that marry heritage sensitivity with modern innovation. Their products were chosen not only for functionality but also for their ability to complement the gallery’s historic architecture and contribute to a sustainable, accessible, and engaging visitor experience.
The refurbishment demanded products that respected the gallery’s neoclassical interiors while offering modern usability. The Villeroy & Boch Architectura and Onovo collections were selected to fit perfectly into this narrative.
Working within a historic building also meant managing constraints, such as compact spaces and the need for heritage preservation. That’s where Ideal Standard’s i.Life S range came in, offering compact, clever solutions that respect the intimate scale of the spaces without compromising on comfort or style.
Family-friendly areas were equipped with Contour 21 Splash WC’s, designed specifically for younger visitors, providing thoughtful design tailored for children.
Touchless, water-efficient Armitage Shanks Sensorflow 21 taps and toilets supported sustainability targets, delivering a fully sustainable solution with touchless technology that conserves water and supports hygiene, helping the gallery meet BREEAM Excellent requirements.
Constantin Von Boch, Head of A & D Sales Europe said: “It brings us immense pride to know our products now sit proudly within a listed building of great cultural significance. Supporting Dulwich Picture Gallery, a charity open to the public, brings real meaning to the architecture and design community.”
Navigating Challenges
Refurbishing a building of historical significance presents its own challenges. Many of the original gallery spaces were compact, requiring careful planning to ensure comfort, accessibility, and compliance with heritage considerations.
Chiara Barrett, senior architect from Carmody Groarke on the Dulwich Picture Gallery redevelopment, said: “Our work at Dulwich Picture Gallery reinterprets Soane’s pioneering architecture for a contemporary audience, creating new spaces that connect people with art, landscape, and light. Through careful design and a commitment to sustainability, we have strengthened the Gallery’s role as a place of learning, creativity, and engagement for generations to come.”
For architects, designers, and specifiers, the Dulwich Picture Gallery refurbishment is a clear example of how heritage and innovation can coexist. Villeroy & Boch Group affirms its solutions demonstrate how carefully considered design, sustainability, and user-focused functionality can elevate every aspect of both historic and contemporary spaces.
