Graeae Theatre Company London

Transforming a historic tram shed into a flagship for accessible design

Located in the heart of London’s Kingsland Road, the Graeae Theatre Company—renowned for championing deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists—has undergone a transformative space redesign. In partnership with Insightful Environments, this Grade II-listed former tram shed has been reimagined into a fully inclusive, flexible and sustainable creative hub.

The £600k, grant-funded refurbishment had a bold vision: to enhance inclusivity, grow the building’s capacity for creative collaboration, and future-proof the theatre's home for a wider range of artists and organisations. 

Working within tight funding timelines and heritage constraints, IE provided a comprehensive suite of services, including design, space planning, consultancy, procurement, delivery, and furniture repurposing, all tailored to reflect the lived experiences and unique needs of Graeae’s community.

A human-centric design journey

From the outset, inclusion was not only a consideration, but the core of the brief. IE collaborated closely with Graeae and accessibility focus groups to ensure every design decision supported physical, sensory, and emotional accessibility. Working across the RIBA plan of work stages, IE’s expert team ensured solutions were developed and implemented within the strict parameters of a traditional tendered fit-out route.

Key design strategies included using cocooning curtains to support emotional regulation, dimmable lighting and layered acoustics to accommodate sensory preferences, and flexible, adaptable furniture to suit diverse physical requirements. The team also integrated visual contrast, braille signage, and induction loops throughout the space.

Challenges and sustainable solutions

As a listed building with a limited budget and a short delivery window, careful project phasing and budget scrutiny were essential. One of the project’s most innovative aspects was IE’s advocacy for furniture reuse; refurbishing existing assets to both lower the project’s carbon footprint and reinvest cost savings into new, higher-value furniture and finishes.

The result is a vibrant, multifunctional environment featuring high-acoustic meeting rooms, adaptable breakout zones, a reflection room, and a dynamic central hub, all of which support Graeae’s ongoing mission to empower diverse voices in the arts.

Project partners

• Main Contractor: Team projects
• Project Manager: New Stage Ltd
• Quantity Surveyor: BAP (Bigham Anderson Partnership)
• MEP Consultant: FSB Consulting Engineers
• Acoustic Consultant: WSP

A blueprint for inclusive creative spaces

This project sets a new benchmark for accessible, inclusive design in the arts sector. More than just a fit-out, the transformation of Graeae’s home represents a shift toward truly equitable environments that support creativity, expression, and community. Insightful Environments is proud to support organisations like Graeae, helping them deliver spaces that inspire and include.