Eton College – Stone

A historic conservation project refurbishing the grounds within Eton College Windsor

The Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments at Eton College are housed in three distinct buildings which are collectively known as Queen’s Schools. The buildings lie in the Eton Conservation Area and are in the setting of a grade II listed building known as Lower Chapel.

The overall project set by the college was to refurbish and extend these buildings extensively creating a shared ‘critical space’ and it also included a re-modelling of the front and rear courtyards to create external teaching spaces along with a new roof top pavilion on the Holford Building.

All Brick and Stone were appointed to assist and to supply specialist brick and stone materials specifically for the courtyard area and visitor entrance. After an initial site inspection, it was apparent that to match the original brick work we would have a challenge on our hands. Our wealth of experience with listed and conservation projects enabled our team to work with different manufacturers in order to specify and match the various parts of the building which now provides a rich architectural mix of old and new. Supplying handmade bricks and grey headers complimented the historic traditional design of the building including the stunning brick archway above the visitor entrance.

The courtyard stone seating was yet another challenge for All Brick and Stone. Numerous site visits were carried out to not only specify the stone materials but the overall design consisted of lighting underneath the seats and therefore, specification was absolutely key. Vast pieces of wet cast stone were supplied and proved to be challenging due to their size and how they needed to be fitted.

Working in partnership with CSK Architects, this conservation project was a huge success and the courtyard accommodates a contemporary, flexible open space for teaching without compromising the historic architectural setting.