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Cafeteria in Crystal Palace Park
Architecture studio Chris Dyson Architects has recently completed a new café in Crystal Palace Park, south-east London, where the Palace was relocated following the Great Exhibition of 1851. The new structure has a classic two-story shape with a pitched roof.
Inspired by the scaly skin of the dinosaur sculptures located in the park, the architects have chosen to cover the facades with semi-circular cedar wood scales. The four facades are punctuated with generous windows that help to create welcoming, bright interior spaces and also offer wide panoramic views of the lake and the park.
The location and orientation of the new café has been carefully considered – the building is perpendicular to the central axis of the park, a key point that allows the café to be accessed from all key routes through the park.
The café was officially opened earlier this year and is managed by Brown & Green. The ground floor accommodates up to 60 people indoors, with seating for a further 50 on the external terrace. Facilities include a public W.C. and an external service kiosk. The first floor offers a multi-purpose community space that can accommodate a further 60 seats. The flexible space is designed to be used by local groups and organizations or as an extension of the cafeteria service during the busiest periods.
Chris Dyson of Chris Dyson Architects adds: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to design this key social amenity in the heart of Crystal Palace Park. I am delighted that the café is already proving to be such a popular destination with the local community”.
Location: Crystal Palace Park, London
Landscape Architect: Kinnear Landscape Architects
Structural Engineers: The Morton Partnership Ltd
Contractor: Lengard Ltd
Architect: Chris Dyson Architects
Photography: © Peter Landers, © Raf Makda, © David Churchill, courtesy of Chris Dyson Architects
