infrastructure/engineering
Hunt & Steward (1894) and Astronaut Kawada (2024), 1894
The Lock House, Ranelagh Drive, TW1 1QZ
The Lock House is part of Richmond Lock & Weir, on the left bank of the Thames at Richmond. Originally home to the resident lock keeper, it is now the design studio and exhibition space of Astronaut Kawada, architects and designers. They have fully refurbished the interior of the Lock House to create a series of spaces to complement the remarkable and unique qualities of the main structure.
Richmond
Richmond
H37
External space has level access. Internal space via 3 steps, with handrails. Parking on street. Area liable to flooding at high tides.
Sound of river and weir gates and wildlife
11:00–16:00
11:00–16:00
11:00–16:00
The Lock House is part of the Grade 2* listed Richmond Lock & Weir, on the left bank of the Thames at Richmond, which was completed in 1894 and still fully functioning. Originally home to one of the resident lock keepers, for a time it housed the river Police, but it is now the design studio and exhibition space of Astronaut Kawada, architects and designers. On the 130th anniversary of its construction, they have fully refurbished the interior of the Lock House to create a series of spaces to complement the remarkable and unique qualities of the main structure. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the interior of the Lock House and enjoy its relationship with the main Lock & Weir structure that it is part of. Level access is available to enjoy the view from the quayside of the Lock House, while entry to the interior is via three steps.
As well as the architect’s design studio, the Lock House is also an exhibition space, within the varied volumes of the studio and the main structure of the Lock & Weir. This creates a unique space within which to present a diverse mix of creative works and related arts. Currently there is an ongoing and diverse series of collaborative exhibitions, steered by the work of Astronaut Kawada. The series looks to test and provoke the balance of influence, awareness and potential within the natural and built habitats that we share. During Open House Festival 2025, there will be a collaborative exhibition with photographer Tom Lee. His work will include a 15 year study of the landscape of The South Downs, presented alongside the architectural work of Astronaut Kawada, also located and responding to the same landscape.
In addition to The Lock House contributing to Open House, Richmond Lock & Weir itself will also be listed as a venue for people to visit. Lock keepers from the Port of London Authority, will be opening up the main structure, including the working quayside, the lock, the weir and bridge structure. This will be a unique opportunity for visitors to see the main Lock & Weir structure, and The Lock House at the same time.
