The project brief called for acoustically separated music practice rooms, performance and ensemble spaces, seminar rooms, offices and support facilities within three Grade I listed buildings: the King’s Building, South West Block (SWB), and South East Block (SEB). Designed by Sir Robert Smirke in the early 19th century, these historic structures form the heart of King’s College London’s Strand Campus.

The refurbishment aimed to restore the architectural character of the spaces while meeting modern acoustic, AV, and teaching requirements. Upgrades to lighting, services, and accessibility were delivered with minimal impact to heritage features. Non-original additions such as secondary glazing and surface-mounted trunking were removed to reveal original detailing.

While full step-free access across the complex wasn’t possible, a suite of accessible practice rooms was created on a lift-accessible floor with compliant egress. These rooms offer improved acoustic isolation and inclusive access.

One of the greatest challenges was the integration of new services into the historic fabric. We developed a strategy to conceal cabling through floor voids, behind deep skirtings, and within plaster infills, avoiding damage to lime plaster finishes. These proposals were agreed with the Conservation Officer through on-site discussions and detailed drawings.

Lighting was modernised with a coordinated palette of contemporary fixtures that provide appropriate lux levels and emergency features while subtly referencing historical fittings. Pendant, sconce, and wall lights were chosen to complement the period character without pastiche.