
Templeman Library – University of Kent
Our competition-winning design for the new extension & refurbishment of Templeman Library at The University of Kent, Canterbury, has provided a 5,400m2 extension to the existing library, and refurbishment of the 12,500m2 original Brutalist building designed by Lord Holford.
The existing building has been frequently adjusted in its lifetime. Our approach was to reveal its hidden strengths by:
- Removing sections of floor structure at each level in the central core of the building to let in daylight and create views through the building.
- Replacing the glazing with curtain walling to weave the new extension and the existing building into one volume.
- Design fitted furniture pieces to punctuate the existing space and combine with flexible mobile furniture to enable easy access to power and data.
Our designs have created a vibrant contemporary building for study, interaction and exploration, bringing together a variety of reader spaces, versatile collection and exhibition space, and a distinctive resin clad 250 seat lecture theatre. The treatment of the extension façade inverts the balance of the original Brutalist architecture of the building to create a strong and holistic architectural identity.
The Templeman Library was the most impressive building on campus when the University was established in the 1960s, and it is fitting that as the University celebrates its 50th anniversary we should have transformed it. The 21st century updated and refreshed Templeman Library has moved very significantly with the times to become an impressive modern building containing services and facilities that are equally modern, impressive and important to its current and prospective users. John Sotillo, Director of Information Services
This long-term, phased solution has created a step change in quality across the whole library development to re-emphasise its enduring and pivotal role within the campus. The newly enhanced ‘lawn entrance’ to the south is combined with improvements made to the north of the building creating a cultural avenue, linking the existing theatre and architecture school.
The project has achieved BREEAM Excellent.