Exeter College Library shortlisted for the British Construction Industry Awards 2024
Photo by Will Pryce
Following major restoration and improvement work throughout the 2022/23 academic year, Exeter College Library has been shortlisted for this year’s British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA).
The BCIA are the most prestigious awards in the built environment sector. They recognise excellence in project delivery, reflecting the hard work of the whole team, from clients to contractors.
The Library, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and opened in 1857, has been the heart of Exeter College for generations of students, including celebrated authors such as Sir Philip Pullman, JRR Tolkien, Sir Martin Amis, Amy Sackville, and Louie Stowell. The complex task of turning the 19th century building into one fit for purpose in the 21st century and beyond was taken on by Nex Architects. Working tirelessly in the run-up to and throughout the year-long renovation, Nex not only enhanced the Library’s original Victorian Gothic features but made the Library fully accessible, with a lift that services all floors, step-free entrance and a wheelchair accessible toilet. The Library’s striking architecture has been preserved and restored, revealing original features, some of which had been hidden for decades. The stonework, woodwork and oak bookcases have been restored, and where there is new woodwork, such as in the new mezzanine floor in the Library annexe, outstanding craftsmanship has ensured that it is of the highest quality throughout and sympathetic to Gilbert Scott’s vision.
Photo by Will Pryce
The BCIA ceremony, which will take place in early October, will see 22 awards announced, including the Retrofit Project of the Year (recognising the value of retrofitting across all sectors) and the Social Infrastructure Project of the Year (recognising institutions such as schools, colleges and universities that contribute towards improved social service provision in the UK). Exeter College’s Library has been shortlisted in both categories.
You can read more about the transformed Library and see pictures in the noted architectural publications The Architects Journal, Architecture Today, and Dezeen.
Photo by Will Price
Photo by Will Pryce
