London Centre for Book Arts

‘The studio has an unusual layout […] U-Build helped us divide the space to encourage a natural flow for visitors to explore and engage.’

In 2022, we had the pleasure of designing and installing an internal fit-out for the London Centre for Book Arts (LCBA), an open-access studio and shop located in Fish Island, London. Our modular system offered a cost-effective, reusable interior solution for the leaseholders of this old factory building.

Founding members Ira Yonemura and Simon Goode approached us to reimagine their studio layout to accommodate their growing public-facing shop. As Ira explains: ‘We decided on splitting up what was a large open-plan studio into distinct areas: the print studio, bindery, shop and gallery space.’ With this particular zoning in mind, we collaborated with Ira and Simon to find a playful and practical solution.

As the studio is situated in an old factory, it has an unusual layout and limited natural light. Once we established a natural flow through the space, we used our box system with polycarbonate faces to partition the new areas while still allowing light to pass through. This created private spaces for practical work alongside an open shop and gallery space with clear views into the bindery and print studio.

The fit-out was built using our modular flat-pack timber construction system, which we designed alongside engineering design consultancy Structure Workshop a while back. Because our system is fully demountable, portable, and reusable, it offers long-term reassurance to LCBA as tenants. If they ever need to relocate, the entire fit-out can adapt to a new space. This flexibility reduces future costs and material waste, and the structures can be removed without damaging the existing building. As the LCBA team notes, ‘we were instantly impressed with the look and ethos of the project.’

The Second Instalment 

In 2025, we gladly returned to LCBA to retrofit Studio 6 of the space and help regulate the building’s temperature throughout the year. Using a selection of standard boxes alongside custom floor adjustments, we added insulation to improve both acoustics and temperature control.

For storage, we installed our inverted box and shelving system, which has become our go-to solution for books, fabric rolls, and anything else that needs to be neatly displayed or tucked away. Using thermal imaging technology, we were even able to visually capture the success of this retrofit modular system.

Since completing round two of the fit-out, the studio’s organic growth and the success of the new layout were featured in TOAST Magazine. The piece highlights how the reimagined space has allowed LCBA to expand its community programs, host creative workshops, and run a dedicated library and gallery in what was once a single empty room. It is rewarding to see how our modular structures continue to support their craft and community.

Explore our other Commercial Fit-Outs in our project archive or browse our dedicated Commercial Designs page.