Essential alterations only and preserved original features maintain The Malthouse's dramatic character
Tim Ronalds Architects for The King’s School, Canterbury
Contract value: £10.7m
GIA: 4,425m2
Cost per m2: £2,418
The school acquired the 1869 Malthouse to create a performing arts centre for school and city in this atmospheric ‘found space’ in line with its tradition in drama. The building includes theatre, orchestra pit, workshops and studios, exhibition rooms and supporting hospitality and backstage spaces. The strategy was to make only essential alterations to preserve the inherent dramatic character. The theatre space was formed by threading five steel portal frames through the existing building structure and hanging the third floor structure from the new frames. Internally, original features were preserved. New materials are in keeping with the existing industrial character of the building.