Niall McLaughlin Architects is among those 30 practices shortlisted for the Wood Awards 2012 for the student accommodation for Oxford University’s Somerville College. The judges described this years shortlist as ‘exceptional’, stating that they had received an unprecedented 362 category entries for the awards.
Niall McLaughlin Architects will continue their work for Oxford University, having been announced as the winners of the competition to complete the West Quadrangle of St. Cross College.
The brief asked for a scheme that would provide ‘In whole and in detail…continuing satisfaction and unexpected moments of delight.’ Sir Mark Jones, master of St. Cross College stated, ‘It was felt that Niall McLaughlin was the designer who would best meet the needs of the College.’
In an interview for Building Design, Niall McLaughlin commented, ‘St Cross is an Oxford college with a special atmosphere based on a community that is very democratic and informal. It enjoys a lovely situation, tucked behind a busy thoroughfare on a site of significance for the history of the city. The competition process was collaborative and inclusive so we already share a good mutual understanding with the client. We are delighted to have won, particularly given the strength of the shortlisted practices.’
Niall McLaughlin Architects was confirmed as the winner of the Brick Awards 2012. The Somerville College student accommodation for Oxford University was given the award under the category of Best Housing Development of 26 Units or more.
The judges considered the project to be ‘impressive’ and of a ‘high quality’ and paid tribute to the ‘neat and sharp’ details throughout and the careful consideration of the existing surrounding brickwork.