Journal

TPM Studio have been appointed Kent County Council to develop proposals for the redevelopment of Sessions House, which will upon completion provide their core Civic and Administerial function for the county of Kent.

The landmark redevelopment of approximately 110,000 Sq.ft. includes the sensitive refurbishment of the existing Grade II Listed Building, where localised intervention seeks to rejuvenate the tired interiors, providing the building with a new lease of life. Strategic proposals include improving the Civic offer, where the former Court Rooms have been re-established now as ceremonial events spaces. Within these grand rooms, the existing ornate coffers are to be refurbished, whilst modern finishes including new floors and wall panelling will provide a modern contrast of colour and texture.

Further interventions include re-landscaping of the courtyard, formed at the turn of the 20th Century when the original courthouse was extended. The flexible and impressive setting will provide a space for relaxation, in addition to external events, where architecturally designed canopy structures will enable the Council to utilise this space throughout the year.

Reinstating and restoring the original heritage features are central to our proposals, where modern and insensitive intervention has been detrimental to the quality of the building and is to be removed. This continuity in approach to restoration, coupled with improving the sustainability of the building through the replacement of old heating systems, will provide the Authority with a modern office environment to support the functions they provide for decades to come.