EF International Academy, Oxford

The Cherwell and Isis building, for educational client EF International, was nominated for a RIBA South East Award. The building, which is situated on Pullens Lane, Oxford, provides new facilities for several hundred students to learn English whilst undertaking a varied extra curriculum.

Our urban design strategy for the redevelopment of the former Plater College site focused on important sightlines, landmarks, gateways, and spill-out zones. Once the masterplan was approved by the city planners, the development was designed and built out in three phases under the WWA’s direction.

The final phase (pictured below) consisted of an entrance space, dining hall, offices, and classrooms. As well as being nominated for an RIBA Design Award, the project also scooped an Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) commendation. The OPT are a charity organisation committed to the sustainable preservation of Oxford’s built environment. We were delighted to receive recognition that our aspirations for the project, our team’s core design values, and the mission of the OPT were all aligned toward this outcome.

The judges praised “the architectural coherence of design that the school has brought to the site formerly occupied by Plater College. The glazed façade to the entrance works particularly well and positively invites you to pass over the threshold.”

Shortly after completion, students and staff voted the complex as ‘EF International School of the Year’, beating nearly 500 other schools spread across no less than 50 countries. You can read more about the facilities at EF Oxford via this link to the EF website.