The Berrow Foundation Building and New Garden Building, Lincoln College, Oxford

Stanton Williams and Rodney Melville & Partners for Lincoln College

Contract value: Confidential

GIA: 625m²

A sensitive and intelligent extension of the 1905 building in the heart of the dense Lincoln College site. Careful continuation of building lines and retention and balancing of existing neoclassical features with contemporary ones create a harmonious and successful contextual response.

The building literally and philosophically opens up the site, with a gate in the replacement garden wall offering glimpses into the Rector’s garden, removing the divide between it and the Fellows’ garden.

A suite of new rooms, for events, meetings, presentations and music rehearsal add to the college’s facilities. Interior detailing includes a joy in the hiding of the modern tech in the upper Oakeshott Room. The change in the finish of the oak panelling from old to new offers a wonderfully rich experience. Large windows connect back to existing buildings and offer new views. 

The handling of external materials is wonderful – with subtle tooling, flush and recessed glazing and the use of reflections to connect with adjacent buildings. Spaces around the new building, the connections it makes and the greater activity it supports in the older buildings make this a delightful project.

Regional Building of the Year