A bold new vision for Kingston University is taking shape, but at what cost? Grafton Architects, fresh off their 2021 Stirling Prize win for the university's Town House, has submitted plans for the Middle Mill building, a 4,827m² hub for the Kingston School of Art. This project promises to be more than just a building; it's envisioned as a creative ecosystem, complete with studios, a lecture theatre, a student gallery, and specialized arts and media facilities. But here's where it gets interesting...
The Dublin-based firm secured the project after a competitive process in early 2023. The initial budget of £22 million has now been re-evaluated, with the tender hitting £42 million. This significant increase raises questions about the project's financial scope.
The new building will replace 120 student bedrooms on the Middle Mill site, located south-east of the Knights Park Campus. The design emphasizes sustainability, incorporating green materials and an 'innovative' sawtooth roofline designed to maximize natural light and minimize energy consumption. The plans submitted to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames highlight the use of 'sustainably sourced' wood and natural clay tile cladding, aiming to reduce embodied carbon and blend with the local architectural character.
Outside, significant improvements to the public realm are planned with FFLO, designed to 'enhance greening and wilding' and create a 'vibrant creative quarter', with the Stanley Picker Gallery at its heart.
Shelley McNamara, principal director of Grafton Architects, envisions an architecture that respects the riverside ecosystem and the university's spatial needs, creating a sense of 'soft edges'. She highlights the unique confluence of nature and learning.
Steven Spier, the university's vice-chancellor, emphasizes the transformative impact of exceptional architectural design on students, staff, and the wider community.
The design process included two stages of pre-application consultation, the first in autumn 2024 and a six-week second stage this spring. The university aims for the building to be ready for use during the 2029-30 academic year.
But here's a point that could spark debate: the dramatic increase in the project's budget.
Project Team:
- Architects, principal designer, and lead consultant: Grafton Architects
- Structural and civil engineering: AKT II
- Building services and lighting consultant: Atelier Ten
- Landscape Architecture: FFLO
- Sustainability, environmental, and BREEAM advisor: Atelier Ten
- Façade design engineer: AKT II
- Façade and roof access consultant: AKT II & Hilson Moran
- Flood risk and hydrology consultant: AKT II & Waterco
- AV/IT consultant: PTS Group
- Acoustic, air quality, ecology, access, security, transport, waste, arboricultural, and daylight consultant: Buro Happold
- Signage and wayfinding: Steer Group
- BIM (design stage) consultant: BIM Technologies
- Commissioning manager: Banyards
- Visualisation and VIA consultant: Hayes Davidson
- Project management: Arcadis
- Cost consultants: RLB
- Planning consultants: Bidwells
- Communications: Grayling
- Principal designer under building regulations: Collation
- Fire safety engineering: Osborn
- Catering consultants: Keith Winton
- Archaeology consultants: Hawk Heritage
Controversy & Comment Hooks: Do you think the increased budget is justified given the ambitious design and sustainability goals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
