House of Vans is a mixed use venue developed to inspire creativity and celebrate skateboarding culture. The project occupies 2,500m² of 150yr old tunnels which run below the railway heading out of Waterloo station. 

The tunnels were originally obtained from BRB (Residuary) by The Old Vic Theatre, who previously used the disused tunnels as performance space between 2009-2013.

 

The House of Vans project was designed by architect Tim Greatrex and designer Pete Hellicar. They were tasked with designing a ‘space that incubated creativity’ within the constraints of the site, which due to the historic nature, prevented any structural fixings or disturbance to the existing brickwork. As such, the historic brickwork and structure becomes the feature and defines the layout of the venue. The historic brickwork contrast with the smooth concrete skate park and rubber floor that runs throughout. The floor was chosen for its obvious reference to the vans brand and mirrors the iconic hexagon and diamond patterns that feature on the rubber sole of vans shoes.

 

The venue is split across five separate tunnels which each house different functions and forms of creativity. 

ART - This tunnel features an artists lab and gallery/exhibition space

FILM - Housing a cinema and screening room

MUSIC - Provides a gig venue for up to 850 people

SKATEBOARDING - This is split over the last three tunnels, each one forming a different style, catering for all abilities from complete beginners to professionals.

 

The venue creates an inspirational space for all, redefining a disused and forgotten industrial space into a cultural ad centre filled with fun and activity.