Kingston University London, Town House Building Development, Grafton Architects English Architecture
Kingston University London – Town House
post updated 16 September 2021
Design: Grafton Architects
Location: Kingston upon Thames, England, UK
Grafton Architects
Kingston University London – Town House

photo : Ed Reeve
Kingston University London – Town House
Jury Report
Of the two ambitious projects from the same client to make the shortlist, the Town House is the more conventional architectural project. It is very accomplished. The challenging brief framed a bold aspiration to design the beating heart for Kingston University within a building worthy of the international stage. Combining two dynamically opposed uses ? dance studio and library – the result is both technically and spatially excellent, generating a warm, dynamic energy that truly captures the spirit of learning.
photo : Dennis Gilbert
Conceptually, the building exploits two key devices: the colonnade and the courtyard. Wrapping the building in a tall colonnade gives it presence on the street, successfully balancing the need to make a landmark statement with the wider need to respond respectfully in size and scale to its context. This objective is further aided by the exquisite detailing of the exposed concrete frame, its language running inside and out, replicated and rotated at each junction but never repeated.

photo : Dennis Gilbert
The collision and separation of opposing uses, l...