Exeter College, University of Oxford

Exeter College is landlocked in its central site with no room to expand. When Ruskin College decided to move to Headington, the site, centrally placed near Exeter College, was acquired to create two new quads, complementary to the main College site.

RGA were invited to join Alison Brooks in her competition-winning plans for the redevelopment of the site, and have guided the heritage strategy throughout.

We successfully demonstrated that façade retention of the original 1913 front building of Ruskin College was the best and only viable way to form the new quads, retaining its contribution to the Conservation Area while allowing the creation of one of the most exciting Oxbridge College developments of recent times.

  • Location: Oxford

    Client: Exeter College, University of Oxford

    Listed: Grade II

    Original Architect: Joseph and Smithem

  • Date of construction: 1912-1913

    Date of project completion: 2020

  • Alison Brooks Architects

    RIBA South Building of the Year Award 2022

    RIBA South Regional Award 2022

    Civic Trust Award 2021