Revitalising Historic Learning Spaces at Balliol College

Balliol College’s recent refurbishment project has transformed an underutilised lower ground space into an improved, modern lecture theatre and dedicated music suite, flooded with natural light.

Balliol College enlisted the help of PenwardenHale Architects to refurbish and enhance the lower ground rooms of their Senior Common Room, previously known as the Bernard Sunley Building, and originally constructed in 1966. The building had slowly become outdated, gloomy, and no longer met the College’s evolving requirements. The project’s main objective was to restore these spaces to their original glory through significantly increasing natural daylight, modernising lighting, and refurbishing the building while preserving its historical fabric as a Grade II listed building.

Choosing the Rooflight Solution

During the early stage of specification, Glazing Vision welcomed PenwardenHale Architects for a factory visit and meeting with the team to see just what goes into manufacturing our high-quality rooflights. This is where the decision to specify Glazing Vision rooflights was made. This choice was influenced by the impressive engineering standards, exceptional build quality, and the overall design of our rooflight products.

Two Flushglaze Multi-Part Rooflights were specified to not only increase the levels of natural daylight but to add a bold architectural statement.

Overcoming Project Challenges

The project site posed notable access and logistical challenges due to its half-basement location, tightly enclosed between Balliol College’s Grade II-listed main hall and the external boundary of Trinity College. These limitations required the rooflights to be modularised into smaller units, manually transported through restricted site routes, installed from below, and finally assembled on the roof. Glazing Vision’s modular design capability and support throughout the installation process were critical in overcoming these complex site constraints.

Maximising Daylight, Minimising Noise

The new Glazing Vision rooflights replaced a failed Georgian wired-glass rooflight, offering a contemporary upgrade with improved performance. Particular attention was paid to glass specification and orientation to effectively minimise noise breakout from the music practice spaces. The minimal internal framing and large uninterrupted glazing area significantly increased natural daylight, transforming previously dark and unwelcoming rooms below into vibrant, inviting spaces for optimal learning and creativity.

The successful delivery of this project has led to Glazing Vision being specified in several subsequent projects by PenwardenHale Architects, highlighting the strength of the partnership and the quality of the delivered solutions.