London-based architectural firm Wright & Wright has completed a groundbreaking extension to the University of Oxford's Corpus Christi College Library, marking the first expansion of the historic institution since its founding in the 16th century. The new 479-square-meter addition, named The Spencer Building, successfully integrates modern functionality with the college's medieval heritage while achieving prestigious Passivhaus certification standards.
The limestone-fronted extension replaces a 1950s garage on an exceptionally constrained site situated between a medieval city wall and the Grade I-listed facade of the college's quadrangle. Wright & Wright's design approach focused on creating a structure that would feel both contemporary and timeless within this sensitive historic context. The building consolidates the library's collection of rare manuscripts and books into a single location while providing much-needed reading spaces and step-free accessibility throughout the facility.
"We wanted to design something that could respond to those constraints while still feeling calm and confident in its own right," explained Claire Wright, founder of Wright & Wright, in discussing the project's design philosophy. The architects addressed the challenge by creating a limestone-clad facade punctuated by a distinctive metal oriel window that draws inspiration from the college's traditional architectural language. "A large 'library window' punctuates the facade, borrowing from the College's distinctive windows that traditionally mark key social spaces such as the hall and chapel," Wright added.
The extension's sustainable design leverages the thermal mass of the adjacent medieval city wall to create stable, low-energy conditions essential for preserving archival materials. This innovative approach, combined with the building's concrete structure, enabled The Spencer Building to achieve Passivhaus certification, making it one of the first libraries at Oxford University to meet these rigorous environmental standards. The archive space is strategically wrapped by an entrance foyer, reception area, and special access reading room on the ground floor.
Inside the building, Wright & Wright created a carefully planned circulation system featuring both a staircase and elevator in the entrance foyer, providing step-free access to all floors for the first time in the library's history. The first two stories of The Spencer Building connect directly to the adjacent Old Library, making the historic spaces fully accessible. The prominent oriel window at the building's front draws natural light into the circulation areas and is flanked by two black drainpipes decorated with golden owl motifs, adding subtle architectural details.
The eastern section of the building houses a remarkable three-story arrangement of reading spaces that culminates in a dramatic skylit area beneath the roof. This stepped design includes balconies that overlook both the floors below and the garden quadrangle beyond, creating visual connections throughout the space. "The reading rooms are stacked across three levels within a single volume, so there's always a sense of connection – you can see and feel the activity between floors," Wright explained. "Each level has a different character, from intimate individual carrels to larger, communal study tables, reflecting the range of ways students like to work."
The interior design palette carefully balances respect for the college's historic character with practical durability requirements. Wright & Wright selected "robust but warm" finishes including oak and brass for shelving and desks, complemented by white walls and grey carpeted floors. This material selection ensures the spaces will age gracefully while maintaining the appropriate scholarly atmosphere expected in such a prestigious academic setting.
This project represents part of Wright & Wright's ongoing relationship with Oxford University, following their previous work at St John's College, where they renovated libraries and the quadrangle while adding a new study center. The firm has also completed notable projects including a comprehensive overhaul of Lambeth Palace and the transformation of the British Academy headquarters, establishing their expertise in sensitive historic renovations and extensions.
The Spencer Building stands as a testament to thoughtful contemporary architecture that respects historical context while meeting modern functional requirements. Wright expressed hope that the extension "feels as though it's always belonged there, even though it's unmistakably of its time," capturing the delicate balance the architects achieved in this significant addition to one of Oxford's most historic colleges.
