London-based Wright & Wright have completed the decade-long metamorphosis of St John’s College, Oxford. This long, ambitious and essentially formidable project was a combination of redevelopment and conservation programmes. Through this ambitious project, the studio has not only restored the historic fabric of the distinguished institution but has also woven together the threads of tradition and innovation. This comprehensive project, focused on expanding the library and study spaces, is a showreel of the delicate dance between preserving the past and simultaneously embracing the future.

At the heart of Oxford’s literary legacy, a remarkably historic one at that, lies the Old Library at St John’s College. This library, dating back to the 16^th century, boasts the distinction of being the first college library to feature shelved bookcases. These bookshelves played a large role in the final phase of the refurbishment project. The studio removed the later, more contemporary additions, to conserve and repair the original and historic 16^th century bookcases. This task involving skilful intervention on their part was successful in preserving their rare beauty and historical significance. Adjacent to the Old Library which saw this dramatic transformation, sits the Laudian Library which underwent a more subtle change. Here the studio created additional study spaces while maintaining its existing architectural authenticity.

The core of the redevelopment lies in the serendipitous discovery of the Otranto Passage. Originally a forgotten library storage space, this passage became the linchpin connecting the historic and modern realms of St John’s College. The studio's ingenious insertion of a staircase and lift in the passage has resulted in seamless accessibility, creating a cohesive link between the Study Centre, Laudian Library and the venerable Old Library. This creative take on architectural innovation respects the historical context of the college but also breathes new life into its circulation.

Wright & Wright also took on the restoration of the Canterbury Quadrangle. This architectural gem, originally completed in 1635 under the guidance of William Laud was another ambitious project within the college’s redevelopment umbrella. The original 17^th century columns, carved from Bletchingdon Marble, were extremely challenging to work with as they had developed dangerous fissures. Driven by meticulous sourcing and laboratory testing, the studio replaced them with Swaledale Fossil limestone. This process addressed structural concerns while subtly enhancing the visual coherence and harmony of Laud's original design. The restoration extended to masonry repairs, parapets and intricate decorative friezes, ensuring the quadrangle’s longevity.

The delicate balance between sustainability and conservation was very evidently at the forefront of Wright & Wright's considerations. The Grade I listed status of the historic buildings necessitated innovative solutions. The studio did not shy away from embracing renewable technologies, installing boreholes for heating and cooling, and a large photo voltaic array on the new Library and Study Centre. They also employed unobtrusive secondary glazing and energy-efficient services, allowing the historic bookcases to be restored with the utmost care and precision. This emphasis on sustainability also aligns with the University of Oxford's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2035.

The success of this redevelopment exemplifies the need for and importance of collaboration in ambitious projects. The studio worked with a diverse range of contributors, including artists, craftspeople and conservators, that led to unexpected discoveries. Works of art such as Kirsty Brooks' glass artwork in the Otranto Passage, sculpted stone reliefs by Susanna Heron, and tapestries by Susan Morris and Mary Lum added layers of artistic richness to the revitalised spaces. These collaborations successfully transformed the college into a living canvas, where history and modernity coexist.

Wright & Wright Architects' completion of the St John’s College redevelopment is a testament to how architectural excellence, historical preservation and sustainable design can not only co-exist but work together to improve structures where needed. The integration of new facilities into the college's historic core restores its prominence and also positions it as a leader in sustainable practices.

St John’s College has emerged from this transformative decade not only as a guardian of its illustrious past but as a trailblazer shaping the academic landscape for generations to come. The refurbished structures do the same thing for the architectural landscape of Oxford, where this project will exemplify for years to come, the importance of refurbishment over demolishing and building anew. It is a celebration of continuity and innovation, a testament to the enduring spirit of a place where the echoes of the past harmonise with the aspirations of the future.

Project Details

Name: St John’s College, Oxford
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: Wright & Wright
Structural Engineer: Price & Myers
M&E Consultant: Max Fordham
Quantity Surveyor: Peter Gittens & Associates
Main Contractor: Beard Construction
Principal Designer: Wright & Wright Architects
CDM Co-ordinator: Goddard Consulting
Fire and Access Consultant: Menzies Partners
Approved Building Inspector: Oxford Building Control
Stone Conservation: Szerelmey
Joinery Specialist: Owlsworth IJP, NBJ
Decorative Arts Conservation: Cliveden Conservation