Masterplan and Dining Hall, Alexandra College

The Dining Hall at Alexandra College has been extended and refurbished to provide a more generous and adaptable communal space that introduces improved volume, light and spatial clarity to a key everyday building on campus. The works form an early phase of the wider Alexandra College Campus Masterplans 2016 and 2023, designed by MOLA, which sets out a long-term framework for modernising and consolidating academic, boarding and sports facilities.

The project began with the careful stripping back of the existing canteen building, retaining the original in-situ concrete frame and waffle slab dating from the early 1970s. A new extension was introduced at one end of the building, seamlessly splicing into the original structure and replacing a former link corridor that connected the Dining Hall to a neighbouring dormitory.

The extension has significantly increased the available space and dining capacity, while also improving circulation and easing congestion during busy mealtimes. Alongside this, a series of thermal upgrades were implemented to enhance comfort and performance, reducing heat loss during winter and limiting overheating in the warmer months. Internally, a warm and robust material palette was selected, complemented by careful consideration of acoustic performance to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for students.

Externally, the original windows were replaced with a new Accoya window system, which was also used as cladding for the extension. The inherent strength and durability of Accoya enabled the use of large, uninterrupted window openings exceeding three metres in height, while offering superior weathering performance compared to traditional hardwoods. The project’s success reflects the collaborative approach and shared ambition of the client, design team and contractor.