The Queen´s College: Dining Facilities
The Queen´s College has been quoted by Nicholas Pevsner as the "the grandest piece of classical architecture in Oxford". The extension and modernisation of dining and catering facilities has uncovered previously hidden architectural features - now incorporated within the design.
A basement kitchen is being provided by excavating under a Grade I listed building and the Back Quad; to do this the building has required complex underpinning.
Arches believed to have been designed by Hawksmoor, found during demolition works, will create a dramatic architectural feature within the new servery.
The Queen´s College: Dining Facilities
On the first floor a new double height Fellows dining room is being inserted into the void between the existing Dining Hall and the south range of Back Quad. The external walls of these buildings will form part of the interior. Full length roof lights will retain light levels to the dining hall and enable uninterrupted views of the former facades. A large semi-circular window (thought to be designed by Hawksmoor) will make an impressive historical statement in the new design.
Modern interventions have been used to create more efficient space while respecting the original historic building fabric. A glazed volume containing a disabled lift will provide the main circulation space between the ground floor and first floor Fellows dining rooms. The transparency of this volume retains the view to the existing stained glass window beyond.
The Queen´s College: Dining Facilities
All services are being replaced to meet environmental health regulations.
Client: The Queen´s College Oxford
Completion: 2009
Contract Value: £4.8m
