RWB Auctions – Bistro

The Brief

RWB Auctions approached Pier Architects to transform a tired, dated, and dilapidated former supermarket into a high-quality auction house comparable to prestigious names like Christie’s, Bonhams, and Sotheby’s. The budget was tight, but the vision was ambitious and all this needed to be accomplished within a building located in a conservation area surrounded by listed buildings. Challenge accepted!​

The Work

A primary goal of this project was to enhance the high street facade to complement the surrounding architecture. We maintained the distinction between the shop and upper floors while making subtle improvements to the glazing and wall finish, creating a harmonious and unified facade. This was achieved with Crittall-style glazing, cast iron columns, white render for the first floor, and a colour scheme that matches the brick and canopy to the Crittall frame.​

The auction house is located at the rear, featuring a separate entrance and dedicated parking. The interior layout was redesigned with flexibility and security in mind. The ground floor includes two spacious auction rooms with a movable wall for versatility, as well as a photography room, packaging area, restrooms, a bistro, and a high street-facing reception. The first floor features offices, restrooms, and a gallery space opening onto a rooftop terrace. The rear of the building uses modern materials like charred timber cladding, frameless glazing, and an aluminum-clad roof canopy, providing a contemporary contrast to the historical facade.​

The project faced challenges due to the complex existing structure—a patchwork of extensions and adaptations—and the need to extend the upper floors while maintaining fire escapes. Our interior design team’s vision brought the spaces to life, ensuring a seamless customer journey. The design includes entry points on both sides of the building and a centrally located staircase for efficient navigation. Th e modern auction rooms keep the focus on the displayed products, while the ground-floor bistro transforms from a lively coffee bar to an intimate evening venue. See RWB Auctions – Bistro.