This unused 1930’s courtyard has been strategically remodelled into the vibrant Lightwell Café using a similar technique used to construct The Eden Project.The project was carried out on behalf of the Workspace Group and included the construction of 21 industrial units at the Leyton Industrial Village, East London.

The structure includes a new café and a raised single-storey semi-enclosed reading room in the shape of a pod, with the lower level of the courtyard landscaped into generous terraces of flexible zones for café seating and social learning.

The café has a unique steel roof with seven Teflon inflatable pillows inserted onto the frame. A toilet block was refurbished with its roof being made into a break out terrace with staircase access to the pod. An ETFE roof canopy enclosed the courtyard at high level and openings were created in place of various existing courtyard windows to provide links into existing accommodation.