Iqbal Johal

poise and
precision

The OWO Pavilion, London

Set within the imposing courtyard of the former Old War Office in Whitehall, the OWO Pavilion offers a sculptural counterpoint to its historic surroundings. Designed as part of the transformation of this iconic Grade II listed landmark into The OWO and Raffles London, the Pavilion introduces a sense of dynamism while remaining sensitive to the formal character of the architecture around it.

Reimagining Space

The courtyard, previously enclosed and inaccessible, has been reimagined as a generous arrival space. The Pavilion plays a central role in this transformation, providing a refined and memorable welcome for residents and visitors alike.

In response to the historic context, the structure was designed to be both elegant and practical. Prefabricated in a controlled environment and installed on site with efficiency, the Pavilion has also been conceived with future flexibility in mind. Its modular nature allows for potential relocation, reflecting a thoughtful and sustainable approach to temporary architecture.

Structural Clarity

Steel was the natural material choice, offering both versatility and precision. It is expressed throughout the project, from the structural frame and façade components to the mirror-polished roof panels that create the Pavilion’s distinctive reflective surface. This carefully considered use of steel underpins both the visual identity and structural clarity of the design.

The primary steel columns and roof structure were hot dip galvanized, delivering proven protection against corrosion while ensuring long-term durability. All exposed mullions were zinc sprayed before receiving a final polyester powder coating, which unified the visual finish and provided additional protection.

Through its intelligent use of galvanized steel, the OWO Pavilion balances permanence with lightness, craftsmanship with industrial performance. It stands as a quietly confident intervention that enhances its setting while demonstrating the continued relevance of galvanizing in contemporary architecture.

Information provided by Daewha Kang Design

Project Gallery
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Project Information

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