[ad_1]
London-based Wright & Wright has completed a decade-long transformation of St John’s College, Oxford. This long-term, ambitious and inherently difficult project is a combination of reconstruction and conservation plans. Through this ambitious project, the studio not only restored the historic fabric of this outstanding institution, but also weaved together threads of tradition and innovation. The comprehensive plan focuses on expanding the library and study spaces, illustrating the delicate dance between preserving the past while simultaneously embracing the future.
The Old Library of St John’s College is at the heart of Oxford’s literary heritage and a very historic one.The library dates back to the 16th centuryth century, it prides itself on being the first university library to feature bookshelves. The bookshelves played an important role in the final stages of the renovation. The studio demolished later, more modern additions to preserve and restore the original and historic 16th Century bookcase. This task, which required their skillful intervention, succeeded in preserving their rare beauty and historical significance. Adjacent to the Old Library, which has undergone this dramatic transformation, is the Laudian Library, which has undergone more subtle changes. Here the studio created additional study spaces while maintaining the authenticity of the existing building.
Central to the reconstruction lies the serendipitous discovery of the Otranto Channel. Originally a forgotten library storage space, this passage became a key link between the historic and contemporary areas of St. John’s College. The studio cleverly inserted stairs and lifts into the passageways, allowing for seamless accessibility and creating a strong connection between the learning centre, Laudian Library and the historic old library. This architectural innovation respects the historical context of the college but also breathes new life into its circulation.
Wright and Wright also undertook the restoration of the Canterbury Quadrangle. Originally completed in 1635 under the direction of William Laud, this architectural gem was another ambitious project in the college’s reconstruction program. Original 17th The century-old columns, carved from Brechenden marble, were extremely challenging to work with because they had developed dangerous cracks. Driven by meticulous sourcing and laboratory testing, the studio replaced them with Svaldale fossil limestone. This process resolved structural issues while subtly enhancing the visual coherence and harmony of Lauder’s original design. Restoration work also included masonry repairs, guardrails and intricate decorative lintels, ensuring the longevity of the courtyard.
The delicate balance between sustainability and conservation is clearly top of mind for Wright & Wright. The Grade I listed status of a historic building requires innovative solutions. The studio has not shied away from embracing renewable technologies, installing boreholes for heating and cooling as well as large photovoltaic arrays in the new library and learning centre. They also incorporated unobtrusive secondary glazing and energy-saving services, allowing the historic bookcase to be restored with the utmost care and precision. This emphasis on sustainability is also in line with the University’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon by 2035.
The success of this reconstruction demonstrates the need and importance of collaboration in ambitious projects. The studio collaborates with a variety of contributors including artists, craftsmen and conservators, resulting in unexpected discoveries. Kirsty Brooks’ glass artwork, Susanna Heron’s stone reliefs and Susan Morris and Mary Lum’s sculptures in Otranto Passage )’s tapestries and other artworks add a rich artistic layer to the refreshed space. These collaborations have successfully transformed the academy into a living canvas where history and modernity coexist.
The redevelopment of St. John’s College by Wright & Wright Architects proves that architectural excellence, historic preservation and sustainable design can not only coexist but work together to improve a desired structure. The new facilities are integrated into the historic core of the college and restore its prominence as a leader in sustainable practice.
St. John’s emerged from this transformative decade not only as a guardian of its glorious past but also as a trailblazer shaping the academic landscape for generations to come. The renovated structure has done the same for Oxford’s architectural landscape, and the project will reflect the importance of refurbishment over demolition and rebuilding for years to come. It is a celebration of continuity and innovation, a testament to the enduring spirit of the place, where echoes of the past are harmonized with aspirations for the future.
Project details
Name: St John’s College Oxford
Place: Oxford, UK
Year completed: 2023
design company: Wright and Wright
structural engineer: price and myers
Mechanical and electrical consultant: Max Fordham
Quantity Surveyor: Peter Gittens Architects
Main contractor: whisker structure
Chief designer: Wright and Wright Architects
Clean Development Mechanism Coordinator: Goddard Consultants
Fire and Access Consultants: Menzies Partners
Approved Building Inspector: Oxford Building Control
Stone maintenance: Honey
Joinery experts: Allsworth IJP, NBJ
Decorative Art Protection: cliveden conservation
[ad_2]
Source link