Whitelaw Boarding House

We were appointed as Architects on the significant extension and alteration work on the collection of Grade II listed buildings that form Whitelaw, a boarding house at Rugby School. Dating back to the early 19th Century, Whitelaw House is one of Rugby School’s largest and first purpose-built boarding houses, with the first dormitory block constructed in 1874.

We have worked closely with Rugby School to deliver the refurbishments that will help the school to continue to provide one of the best boarding educational environments in the country. The works included thermal upgrades to the building envelope to reduce heating demand and improve its sustainability credentials. The scheme also involved an extension within the courtyard which provides new common room space and has a modern aesthetic to contrast with the existing structures, allowing both the historical and modern architecture to be appreciated together.

In addition to this, the remodel allows for inclusive usage, as accessible bedrooms and features have been included to the ground floor to better integrate students with different needs. The sympathetic upgrades to Whitelaw have resulted in a more modern and sustainable boarding house that students will be able to enjoy for many years to come.