RIBA South East Award for King's International College

We are delighted that King’s International College received a RIBA South East Award.

13 projects were chosen from a shortlist of 19. The jury liked that it is ‘boldly modern and does not attempt to copy the historic Malthouse adjacent, but in its honesty fits the former industrial site really well.’

Their jury report appreciated the form and function of the building:

‘With a simple palette of materials, it is an almost transparent structure at ground level, arranged around an attractive courtyard with a small stage, and provides comfortable accommodation above. It is a wonderful, relaxed environment for young international students who may be studying abroad for the first time. It is a great example of inside-outside connectivity, achieved through sliding doors opening into the courtyard, and offers safe outdoor accommodation whilst maximising visibility across the ground floor spaces for the resident house tutor.

The rusty Corten-wrapped new building complements the traditional red brick façade of The Malthouse next to it. Not content with just sharing facilities, the colour matching of the exterior materials and the referencing of the original floor tiles in the design of the expansive glazing ensures that the close visual connection of the two buildings is always felt. The architects of both buildings worked together and there are little moments of connection inside, like the use of the same light fittings.’