The National Gallery, Supporters’ House

Project: The National Gallery, Supporters’ House

Segment: Additional areas

Country/city: United Kingdom, London

Architect: Purcell

Contractor: Sir Robert M^cAlpine Ltd

Installer: Lightweight Drywall Ltd

Photographer: Fred Howarth

Project size: 230 m²

Production year: 2025

Sound meets style in London’s cultural heart

Located at the heart of London’s cultural landscape, the iconic National Gallery has brought together people and artworks since the early 19^th century. Recognised as one of the world’s most prestigious galleries, it now introduces Supporters’ House – accessed via a discreet, private entrance on London's renowned Trafalgar Square, a dedicated members-only space designed to enhance the visitor experience.

As a significant architectural landmark, the National Gallery required that the Supporters’ House – designed by New York architect Annabelle Selldorf, with Purcell Architects and interiors by Studio Linse – offer members and patrons a place to relax, socialise and dine. The venue comprises of four interconnected rooms, each reminiscent of a contemporary residence rather than a traditional members club, amenities include a lounge and bar, restaurant, private dining area, and salon.

Discreet acoustic excellence with Ecophon Fade™ ONE Smooth

Exclusive dining, private events, and quiet lounges, all set within this art-focused sanctuary, achieving a balance between heritage preservation and modern amenities demanded thoughtfully designed acoustic solutions to support events without compromising the building’s integrity.

Given the challenges of high ceilings and hard surfaces inherent to heritage interiors, managing acoustics was essential. Lightweight Drywall Ltd addressed these needs by installing Ecophon Fade™ ONE Smooth to the ceiling panels in coordinating colours. This resulted in improved speech clarity, optimal sound control, seamless visual integration, with the versatility for hosting various events without sacrificing high quality design.

Jonathan Burgess, Director of Lightweight Drywall Ltd, says:

“As part of our design and build package, we collaborated with the design team to bring our knowledge, expertise and finesse to provide a simply breathtaking installation of Fade ONE Smooth in a variety of vibrant colours. The Fade ONE Smooth product was specified not only for its outstanding acoustic absorption properties, but also its ability to be uniformly coloured.

The application process is simplified by the ease of installation with one finishing product from start to finish, meaning less waste and greatly benefitting the environment, no doubt this greatly assisted in our operatives being able to achieve such a high quality and consistent finish. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved as a business, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with Ecophon and the Fade ONE Smooth product on such a prestigious project at the National Gallery.”