Kingston University Town House

Now fully complete and recognised with multiple national accolades, Kingston University’s Town House represents a bold new vision for university architecture. Designed by Grafton Architects, the six-storey civic building on the Penrhyn Road Campus is both open and inviting – a physical expression of inclusivity, learning and community connection.

The Town House sets a new benchmark for higher education design, winning the RIBA Stirling Prize 2021, alongside the RIBA London Award and RIBA London Client of the Year. It offers a progressive model for future academic buildings, blending library, performance, study and social spaces under one unified roof.

With no barriers between public realm and academic life, the building’s generous colonnade and permeable ground floor invite both students and the wider community inside. Light-filled interiors create a seamless journey through a variety of uses – from the amphitheatre and dance studios to the archive, library and rooftop gardens. It’s a space where quiet study and active performance coexist with ease, thanks to exemplary acoustic and spatial design.

BIM Technologies were appointed by Grafton Architects to support BIM implementation and coordination throughout the design and construction process. Working alongside the project team, BIM Technologies played a key role in managing information and ensuring a high level of digital coordination across disciplines.

This collaborative digital approach helped deliver an adaptable, future-ready building that is as sustainable as it is inspiring. The use of a thermally-activated concrete frame contributes to reduced operational energy use, while the stepped building profile and landscaped terraces enhance biodiversity and offer a series of connected, accessible spaces for all.

Today, Town House stands as a civic landmark for Kingston and a beacon of what university buildings can achieve.