Friends House is the national home of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain. Designed by Hubert Lidbetter and completed in 1927, the grade II-listed building close to Euston Station is recognised for its dignified architectural expression. At its heart lies the Large Meeting House, a space central to Quaker worship and assembly, as well as to a wide programme of public events and outreach activities.
Renewing the Large Meeting House
Refurbishment focused on transforming the Large Meeting House – now known as ‘The Light’ – to meet contemporary needs while respecting the character of the historic building. A suspended ceiling inserted in the 1980s was removed to reveal the full height of the space, allowing the creation of a dramatic new pyramidal ceiling lined with bands of perforated white aluminium. An oblong rooflight brings daylight deep into the interior, reinforcing the calm, contemplative atmosphere central to Quaker worship.
Beneath this striking intervention, floor levels were rationalised to create a versatile auditorium accommodating up to 1,100 people. Tiered oak seating with upholstered finishes incorporates retractable bleachers, enabling multiple configurations for worship, conferences, performances and exhibitions. The space is now fully accessible, supporting inclusive participation and a wide range of uses.
Client: Quakers
Dates: 2011—2014
Architect and Landscape Architect:
John McAslan + Partners
Consultants
Alan Baxter Ltd
Sound Space Vision
Stephen Cuddy
General Contractors
Westco Partnership
Landscape, symbolism and sustainability
Alongside renovation of the building, redesign of its forecourt garden was undertaken to create an elegant and welcoming setting. Long valued as a quiet oasis from the traffic-dominated Euston Road, the garden had suffered from poor accessibility, fragmented layouts and overgrown planting. Its renewal made a welcoming community space, reflecting Quaker values of inclusivity, equality and environmental responsibility.
Level changes were resolved through the introduction of gently graded ramps and step-free routes. New connections were created between the garden and the café and dining spaces within Friends House. Existing York stone and Portland stone paving was reused, while new Portland stone retaining walls provide seating and define planted areas. Large areas of lawn and integrated seating now support both Quaker gatherings and informal community use. Planting is both ecological and symbolic. Species selected to support biodiversity also reflect Quaker values: olive trees for peace, rosemary for remembrance, and lunaria for honesty.
Refurbishment and renewal have significantly extended the civic and spiritual role of Friends House, reaffirming it as a place of openness, dialogue and community engagement.
