Radley College Chapel Extension

by Purcell Architecture Limited (Purcell) 

Client Radley College 

Awards RIBA South Award 2023, RIBA South Building of the Year Award 2023 (sponsored by EH Smith), RIBA South Conservation Award 2023 and RIBA National Award 2023 (sponsored by Forterra)

The extensions to the chapel at Radley College in Oxford offer a masterclass in modern architectural design. Designed by Purcell, they sit comfortably with this historic building, while at the same time being clearly new interventions. 

The primary objective of the project was to increase the chapel’s capacity to meet the college’s growing intake. The chapel functions as a core part of school life, with pupils and staff attending every evening. While expanding its capacity, the architects have also managed to position a new organ in its original location and improve the chapel’s acoustics. 

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Contractor Beard Construction 

Structural Engineer Campbell Reith 

Environmental / M&E Engineer Hoare Lea 

Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant Ridge + Partners 

Planning Consultant Edgars 

Organ Consultant Paul Hale 

Landscape Consultant Calvin and Moggridge 

Acoustic Consultant Hoare Lee 

Approved Building Inspector NHBC 

Timber Specialists (Oak Frame Roof) Carpenter Oak 

Masonry OG Stonemasonry 

Brick Manufacturer Northcot Brick 

Stained Glass Specialist York Glaziers Trust  

Lead Roofing Attleys Roofing 

Joinery D Smith 

Lighting Design Madson Black 

Structural Engineer SOLID 

Organ Builder Nicholson & Co 

Gross internal area in m2 570