The King's School: The Point of Contrast Provides a Sense of Connection

This project proposes the transformation of the former Blackfriars Refectory and Beerling Hall in Canterbury into a unified “Arts Hub” for The King’s School. The scheme reconnects two significant medieval monastic buildings, both linked to the former Blackfriars monastery, to create a centre of excellence for the arts while respecting their Grade I listed heritage.

It provides expanded facilities for drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and digital media, alongside teaching, storage, and specialist spaces such as a wet room and external carving area. The design also introduces public-facing functions including exhibitions, workshops, performances, and cultural partnerships to support revenue generation, with careful strategies to balance public access and pupil safeguarding through controlled circulation and zoning.