Oxford International College Brighton

ECE Architecture

Creating a vibrant, future-focused campus within a Grade II listed setting, blending sensitive refurbishment with carefully designed new buildings to transform the educational experience at Oxford International College (OIC) Brighton.

Our planning submission for OIC Brighton’s Phase 2 development addresses the growing need for quality teaching spaces and boarding accommodation within a historically significant site. By combining thoughtful restoration with complementary new buildings, we’ve designed a campus that honours its Georgian origins while delivering contemporary educational and living facilities.

The scheme embraces both restoration and new construction across the site. In the north area, we’ve transformed the existing Ovingdean Wing and Rear Wing into living areas, and the former swimming pool into specialist art teaching rooms, while the theatre has been brought back to life as a multi-use space.

Alongside these, we’ve created a new part one- and part two-storey Teaching Building with laboratories and multi-purpose spaces, complemented by a 74-bed Boarding Building. In the south, a carefully positioned 99-bed Boarding Building and relocated sports facilities complete the transformation.

Working within the Ovingdean Conservation Area presented significant challenges, particularly in balancing new development with the Grade II listed Ovingdean Hall. Our design approach focused on retaining and retrofitting existing structures where possible, while ensuring new buildings responded to their context.

Materials were carefully selected to harmonise with the historic setting; natural materials like red and buff brick, clay and slate tiles, and timber cladding, creating a dialogue between old and new. Building heights and positions were meticulously considered to respect both heritage assets and neighbouring properties.

At the heart of our design is a commitment to improving student life and learning. The converted swimming pool now offers a light-filled art studio, while new science laboratories provide facilities for the College’s STEAM curriculum. The boarding accommodation incorporates common rooms and social spaces that create a sense of community, reducing the need for off-site housing that previously disrupted students’ daily routines. The relocated MUGA provides improved sports facilities while managing acoustic impacts on neighbours.

By understanding the unique character of Ovingdean Hall and its surrounding context, we’ve created a cohesive campus where heritage buildings and contemporary additions complement each other, providing an inspiring environment where students can thrive for generations to come.