Winchester College Boarding Houses: A fusion of historical and contemporary design
Stanton Williams has unveiled two architecturally stunning boarding houses at Winchester College, seamlessly blending modern needs with the site’s rich history. This introduction of these dormitories marks the first boarding complex since 1912 designed for girls, following the college’s move to co-education in 2022.
The design pays homage to the college’s storied past. The new buildings wrap courtyards with gabled brick structures inspired by the traditional layout and historic architecture of the 640-year-old campus.
Understanding tradition and fostering independence in these residences
“We explored Winchester’s traditions, understanding not just the architecture but the dynamics of student life,” explained Kaori Ohsugi, Stanton Williams’ principal director. The goal was to create spaces that balance comfort with independence, encouraging conversation and the exchange of ideas.
The two houses, designed in an S-shape, encompass courtyard gardens. Rows of gables artfully break up the massing, while the central courtyards feature adjoining dining halls with glazed walls and timber ceilings, adaptable with movable walls to create larger communal areas.
Explore how Stanton Williams continues to innovate while balancing history with modern design, similar to the modern revival of a centenary home in Brandenburg exploring historical architecture.
Architectural continuity and innovative space use in Winchester College Boarding Houses
The dining halls, considered the hearts of each house, can be merged to connect communities, representing the project’s philosophy of unity within distinction. Communal areas, staff spaces, and upstairs bedrooms are configured to overlook the courtyards or campus. This reflects the continuous evolution of these boarding facilities while maintaining a strong connection to the college architecture.
Exterior brickwork, reminiscent of the college’s Victorian buildings, incorporates diverse bonds, textured surfaces, and flint in garden walls, supplied by York Handmade in a blend of four colors.
The warm interior oak panelling and the dining halls’ timber beams emphasize the continuity of traditional aesthetics with a modern twist.
Attention to detail in materials and design of these buildings
“Brick was an unquestionable choice, reflecting the Victorian aesthetic,” Ohsugi shared. The variety in brick bonds visibly delineates the building’s purpose, creating a visual narrative throughout the structure.
For more on innovative education spaces blending architecture and function, see how Timber and Steel unite in AOR Architects’ Vision for a community hub in Helsinki.
Perforated acoustic panels and different bonds, such as the Flemish bond at eye level or vertical stretcher bond at cloister openings, introduce nuanced texture and privacy without isolation. These elements are thoughtfully integrated into the boarding houses.
A legacy of architectural excellence
Founded in 1985, Stanton Williams is a London-based studio renowned for its visionary projects, including a retirement complex overlooking Hampstead Heath and a refurbished Rhodes House at Oxford. The firm won the Stirling Prize in 2012 for the Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University.
The photography showcasing this project was captured by Jack Hobhouse.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the new boarding houses at Winchester College?
The new boarding houses at Winchester College were designed by the architectural firm Stanton Williams.
What is unique about the layout of the new houses?
The two houses are designed in an S-shape, encompassing courtyard gardens, and feature rows of gables to artfully break up the massing.
How do the new boarding houses reflect Winchester College’s history?
The new boarding houses incorporate exterior brickwork reminiscent of the college’s Victorian buildings and use materials like flint and diverse brick bonds that are in keeping with the historical architecture of the site.