Old-fashioned materials yet thoroughly modern
Niall McLaughlin Architects for Jesus College
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 4,140m²
This extension to Jesus College manages the difficult trick of feeling old-fashioned in its handcrafted materials such as oak, elm, red clay floor tiles and red brick, while being entirely modern in its loose geometry, daylighting and simplicity of form. Facing Jesus Lane, the building extends an existing structural frame by two floors, providing hotel rooms to generate income. By setting back the top facing the court, it completes the parapet line of its neighbours, while four storeys are appropriate toward the street. This level of judgement is carried through.
The north elevation delicately steps between two scales and is completed by huge oak windows. The transition to the adjoining building is achieved with the ‘pivot’ of a lantern tower. A walk through the building reveals further alterations, including a new basement conference centre. Everywhere the architecture is based on weighty, characterful materials. The sequence of spaces seems inevitable, but we know they took skill and determination to deliver.
Project Architect of the Year, sponsored by Taylor Maxwell
See more winners in the RIBA Regional Awards – East