Education, South East

Challenge

A tight schedule and close scrutiny to conservation characterise this roof and wall project for Kingsdown House, a new boarding accommodation at The King’s School, Canterbury. The architects faced a complex brief on a site scrutinised by planners, conservation teams and Historic England, due to its proximity to a World Heritage Site.

The build also needed to be completed to suit the school’s academic timetable, and logistical complexities meant a tight delivery schedule needed to be devised and strictly adhered to.

Solution

Rather than using modern interlocking tiles, the new building is clad in Wienerberger’s Alban Sussex Blend tiles, a versatile choice for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The tiles were chosen because they enabled the architects to use a single material for the roof and walls. The result is a simple, attractive façade that complements the local architecture and construction techniques. It’s a simple look that conceals the complex detailing required for the project.

To further assist with the detailed specification, Wienerberger’s Alban Sussex Blend bespoke Mansard and Gutter tiles were specially hand made for use at the eaves junction with the wall.

Result

Speaking about the project, the Associate Director of Walters & Cohen Architects said, “The project needed to suit the school’s academic timetable, therefore very careful project management was essential. We completed the project on time and within budget and are delighted with how the finished building looks. The Wienerberger products we specified reflect the architectural heritage of the site, and their specialist knowledge also made them a highly suitable partner for the project.”