Case studies

The House of Vans London

The House of Vans London is the recently completed project by Tim Greatrex
Architect together with Hellicar&Lewis.

It is a new mixed use creative venue for Vans enthusiasts and those interested in
skateboarding culture, established as a place to participate in the cultural lineage of
skateboarding that has defined the Vans brand since 1966, combining
skateboarding, art, film and music. The new venue includes an art gallery, ‘Vans
labs’ creative spaces, screening room, live music for 850 people, a premium café,
numerous bars and a three tier indoor concrete skate park.

The House of Vans London sits within the 150 year old brick arches below the
railway lines heading out of Waterloo station and next to London’s famous graffiti
street, Leake Street. The area of the site is approximately 2,500sqm and contains 5
separate tunnels.

The House of Vans London provides a cultural hub for skateboarding, art, film and
music. The site is delineated into these four main functions so that each are housed
within a specific tunnel.

The main function is the skatepark which accommodates three tunnel spaces to
allow for varying layouts and abilities. The main space is the concrete ‘bowl’
predominantly for advanced or professional use; the second area is the ‘street
scene’ for medium ability, and the third is the ‘mini ramp’ skate park area for
beginners or relaxed users.

The five separate tunnels of the site are unified with the large and impressive
rubber floor inspired by the iconic patterned sole of the Vans shoe of hexagons and
diamonds. The strip of hexagons of the sole has been made to align with an
enfilade of arches to delineate a main axis and corridor through the Venue. The
durable and recyclable rubber floor provides a clean and comfortable surface but at
the same time visually creates a strong contrast to the raw and textured brick walls
and vaulted ceiling.
The tunnels are lit in two ways; linear strip lighting grazes the walls and ceilings to
illuminate the main spaces creating a dramatic and textured effect, and the
skatepark utilises exterior flood lighting inside to uplight the ceiling to then reflect
light evenly onto the skatepark surface below creating glare-free lighting for
professional use.

The House of Vans London has been activated as a venue to link with the global
Vans community; broadcasting through a live internet radio station, live camera
feeds of activity within the skatepark, and through social media reporting the
creative activities within the ‘Vans labs’ artist’s spaces.
The House of Vans in London is the physical manifestation of the culture and
creativity that have defined the Vans brand since 1966. Always embracing and
fuelling creative expression through art, music, skateboarding, BMX, street culture
and fashion; the space offers a solid platform for the local communities to
experience and engage with Vans’ ‘Off The Wall’ spirit. With creative expression
at the forefront; The House of Vans London is showcasing an art gallery, a
VansLab artist incubator space, cinema, live music venue, premium café and bars,
gifting suite and skater built and designed concrete bowl, mini ramp and street
course.

The House of Vans London is open four days a week as well as hosting major live
events at weekends. The space is ready for both work and play; with a wide range
of educational & learning activities on offer. Not forgetting, our cultural and
sporting events that are attracting the best talent from across the globe … from
skateboarding and beyond.

Inspired by neon lights, Americana and rugged skate environments; Vans have
transformed the vast 30,000 square feet of this iconic indoor-space in Waterloo
into an ‘Off The Wall’ home for the European edition of The House Of Vans.
What is House of Vans?
THE HOUSE OF VANS IS WHERE “OFF THE WALL” LIVES.
It's a place where imagination lets loose over concrete bowls, art installations,
workshops and concert stages, inspiring every person who runs, rolls, or
stomps through its door.

What were vans originally made for?

Originally named Van Doren Rubber Company, Vans is an American based
manufacturer that specializes in shoes specifically made for the extreme
sports of today. They produce skate shoes, BMX shoes, snowboarding boots,
as well as a variety of other shoes.

Vans have good treads on the bottom, padding around the ankle, and are
made of firm canvas, making them a good choice to protect your feet while
resisting the wear and tear of skateboarding.
TUNNEL ONE
Period fixtures and waffle sole inspired flooring welcomes you into
the UK home of The House of Vans London.

Everybody loves art so we built an art gallery in Tunnel One. A

brickwork cavern with ambient up lighting is dedicated to hosting
shows from a range of infamous and ‘off-the-beaten-track’ artists
from London and beyond.

The House Of Vans presents a new show in the vibrant space

every eight weeks, which always is free to attend.

TUNNEL TWO
Tunnel Two is housing the cinema screening room and our
creatively nurturing space, the VansLab artist studios.

The cinema screening room is holding 100 seats and is available to

host an array of exciting screenings, premieres and webcasts.
At the far end of the tunnel is our VansLab studio, offering free
partitioned workspaces for artists to create and refine their crafts
before showcasing in our exclusive Art Gallery space.

Whether you’re after a cocktail, beer or water – liquid refreshment

should always been close to hand. That’s why Tunnel Two also
holds a second bar area.

TUNNEL THREE
Tunnel Three holds an impressive 850 capacity music venue
nestled beneath Waterloo station…this is where the magic
happens. Not forgetting the all
- encompassing watering hole
– our main bar is also nestled in Tunnel Three for all refreshment
needs.

This is the tunnel to watch, a space that hosts world-renowned acts

and crowd pleasers whilst still providing a platform for upcoming
bands and fresh talent. Think late nights and great nights…that are
always Off The Wall.

TUNNEL FOUR
The deep concrete bowl in Tunnel Four is raising the game for pool-
style skateboarding, and is a proving ground for bowl riders.

Tunnel 4 of the House of Vans houses The Wall SE1 cafe.

At The House Of Vans want you to feel at home; so alongside the

bowl is the restaurant and cafe space, that serves a varied range of
fresh and healthy home-cooked food to all of our guests. Don’t go
hungry!

TUNNEL FIVE
Tunnel Five is pure skateboarding through and through. Housing
our second skate area, the space has a perfectly sized concrete
mini ramp and a street area that is blood, sweat and tears proof. It’s
the ultimate rain-safe spot for refining your style, throwing hammers
or learning something new.

The park is also open to subject to impromptu visits from skate

legends – so don’t be surprised if you’re in pretty good good
company every now and again…