The IQ Costume Store, North Acton

Opened in 2012 on the former site of the BBC’s costume collection, the Costume Store is now a key part of West London’s architectural landscape. It offers student accommodation for the University of the Arts London (UAL), with 730 rooms, including 654 bedrooms and 76 studios. The decision to replace the external façade was a proactive step to meet changing regulations and standards, triggering planned improvement works.

The refurbishment went beyond compliance. It aimed to improve fire safety, thermal performance, and acoustics while keeping the building’s original design intact. The project required careful planning to work within existing structural limits and deal with the challenges of a busy urban site.

Resident well-being was central to the approach. Technical upgrades delivered long-term value, balancing safety, function, and comfort. Innovative cladding materials helped meet those aims, supporting performance and design accuracy.