Milton Studio (AKA The Emerald Ballroom.)

Renowned broadcaster and international DJ Gilles Peterson commissioned Wilson Brothers to design the interior of his new studio.

Our brief was to create a semi private space that could house a lifetime’s collecting, but not feel like a record warehouse!

Architects Paul Archer Design transformed a disused structure into a new three-storey shell on a small footprint.
Wilson Brothers then collaborated closely with Gilles to craft a bespoke space for creative thinking, broadcasting, and recording.

The interior design embraces a minimal material palette—Pine plywood wraps the interior and is used throughout the custom-built furniture. Acoustic ceiling panels made from Hay board, and an Oak parquet floor complete the warm and tactile environment.

Fully bespoke shelving lines the walls, featuring integrated and adaptable sound baffles, a routered groove for record sleeve display, and concealed ambient lighting.
Custom DJ booths were designed for both the ground floor and basement levels, and a unique podcast coffee table for interviews serves as a centerpiece.

A combination of fixed and mobile record bins ensure the extensive vinyl collection remains well-organized and easily transportable across all three floors.
Live music sessions are recorded between the sound proofed basement room, and up on the first floor mezzanine level.

Designing this unique interior for such a passionate client – and in an area so close to our own hearts – was a real privilege for us.

The concept was based around a love for music, and the desire to create a space to share global sounds with special guests and listeners worldwide.

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“For me this was a way of being able to bring it all into one space, and to try and create something that is a library, an archive, but also a living – ‘being’ – record collection .. slash performance space. And we’ve achieved it !”

Gilles Peterson, November 2024.