All Souls College Sustainability and Energy Reduction

WWA was appointed to undertake an energy audit of the 1438 front quad at All Souls College and to propose options for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions from this medieval Grade I listed building. Significant data gathering and testing of the structures was undertaken before specifying improvements to thermal efficiency and air tightness. Overall energy savings of up to 40% have been achieved, equivalent to a saving of 70 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Arranged in a traditional collegiate style with individual staircases giving access to Fellows’ accommodation, the building has a high thermal mass on the lower floors but a low thermal mass within the attic accommodation. This combination of part stone and part timber posed a particular challenge to improving energy performance. In the images below, you can see expert craftspeople carefully lifting the lead linings to the historic dormer windows to make repairs and undertake conservation-led energy enhancements.

Following the success of this project, subsequent works for the College include a series of stone conservation and restoration works to the south and west public facades and to the internal kitchen quad elevations. Specialist cleaning techniques and replacement stone have combined to transform the appearance of the building, achieving an Oxford Preservation Trust Public Realm Conservation Award. You can read more about via this link to our All Souls College Facade Restoration webpage.

Other projects at All Souls include the complete remodelling and fit-out of the Porters Lodge and College kitchens. Our work at All Souls reflects the long tradition of conservation projects undertaken by WWA.