Refectory, Lounge, and Library at King's College International School Bangkok by Onion

The King's College International School Bangkok has unveiled a new building designed to elevate student life, featuring a refectory, lounge, and library envisioned by acclaimed architecture firm Onion. This innovative space caters to senior high school students, offering a multifunctional environment beyond traditional classroom settings.

The Refectory: A Dynamic Dining and Social Hub

Unlike conventional school canteens that serve only during lunch hours, The Refectory at King's College Bangkok is designed for all-day use. The architects at Onion created a versatile space that fosters interaction, study, and relaxation.

Seating and Zoning

246 seating options: 156 indoor (air-conditioned) and 90 in a naturally ventilated space.
Chairs are designed for various postures, supporting both casual dining and study sessions.
Instead of partitions, spaces are divided by color palettes—light blue for a calming ambiance, contrasting with the building's orange brick façade.

Table Arrangements for Community and Engagement

Group-oriented seating: Bar stools, two-seater tables, 12-seater round tables, and 20-seater long tables.
The naturally ventilated dining area integrates seamlessly with the school's main atrium, allowing visual connectivity between spaces.
Beyond meal hours, the refectory transforms into a flexible study and discussion area for students and faculty.

Sixth Form Centre: A Student Lounge Designed for Comfort and Productivity

Occupying two floors, the Sixth Form Centre serves as a student lounge with a range of facilities:

Lockers, study spaces, playrooms, teacher consultation rooms
Snack vending machines and hydration stations
Seating configurations for individual work, group discussions, and relaxation

Aesthetic and Functional Design

Navy blue accents reflect the senior year color scheme, blending with pale wood, silver, and light blue interiors.
Open-plan design enhances visibility for safety, with white glass walls that double as writable surfaces for students.
A central staircase with built-in seating connects the fourth and fifth floors, offering views of the football courtyard and green outdoor areas.

Innovative Playroom Concept

Transparent glass enclosures maintain visibility while ensuring acoustic separation.
Light blue metal laminate panels feature a grid-like design resembling student graph paper.
The same pattern language is used in various sections of the Sixth Form Centre, reinforcing a cohesive design identity.

The Library: A Multi-Level Space for Study and Collaboration

Spanning 864 square meters, the library is a two-story space designed to inspire both individual and group learning. A copper-laminated staircase and bridge diagonally connect the floors, creating a dynamic architectural feature.

Material Selection and Interior Aesthetics

The orange brick exterior extends into the interior, paired with copper accents that contrast matte and reflective surfaces.
Large windows offer expansive city views, while furniture layouts allow students to choose between quiet reading corners or collaborative workspaces.

Seating and Study Arrangements

175 seats for groups, with a mix of tables, chairs, and sofas.
Five study/meeting rooms dedicated to group discussions.
Glass-walled reading desks with gradient privacy film, ensuring a balance between openness and focus.

Book Collection and Storage

The first floor houses individual reading nooks, a reception desk, and bookshelves with a capacity of 11,200 books.
The design ensures a seamless blend of functionality, privacy, and aesthetic appeal, fostering a comfortable learning atmosphere.

A Space Beyond Academics

By integrating sustainability, flexibility, and community-driven design, Onion has redefined school architecture. This project at King's College International School Bangkok offers a model for future educational spaces—where dining halls, lounges, and libraries become integral to student well-being and engagement.

All Photographs are works of W Workspace