22–23 St Giles’ is a Grade II Listed Building, prominently located within Oxford’s Central Conservation Area.  Originally constructed as 2 houses, the building had been later adapted to form 1 larger dwelling, but had been left vacant for a number of years.

The carefully repaired building now provides nine characterful study bedrooms, together with shared bathrooms, kitchens and communal spaces. The works have preserved and restored significant historic features, including 18th and 19th-century timber panelling, historic fireplaces and sash windows, whilst sensitively integrating improvements to acoustic, fire safety and environmental performance of the existing fabric.

To achieve this, a number of essential structural repairs were undertaken alongside carefully integrated fabric improvements, including secondary glazing, MVHR and additional roof insulation, which are anticipated to reduce the building’s heating requirements by approximately 25%.

Early engagement with Oxford City Council’s Planning and Conservation Officers was an important part of the design process, with targeted opening-up works and detailed condition surveys undertaken at an early stage, to provide a better understanding of the building and inform a sensitive and pragmatic approach to its repair and refurbishment.

The result provides this historic building with a sustainable new use, helping to secure its long-term future as part of both St John’s College and Oxford’s historic St Giles’.