“A carefully considered scheme that had tremendous thought and consideration to the existing structure and how a new modern piece of architecture can influence the way in which an older building would adapt to fit its new requirements.” The RIBA Judges 2015.

EF Language School,completed in November 2014, was awarded two RIBA Regional Awards plus the Cambridge Design + Construction Award in the Conservation, Alteration or Extension of an Existing Building Category.

The large early 20th Century villa on the site was previously occupied by our client and was very unsuitable for its use as a language school. Our proposal for a new extension and major refurbishment of the villa provides state-of-the-art teaching spaces, improved common room and IT facilities and a series of dramatic circulation spaces.  The extension, to the south of the villa, provides 13 new classrooms arranged around a roof lit central atrium.  A further 7 class rooms are provided in the villa – at first floor and within a new roof extension.  Rooms are predominantly naturally ventilated and an extensive array of solar panels provide on-site energy generation.