The 2025 transformation of the school library at Haileybury College has carefully preserved and enhanced its historic character, retaining original period features such as the ceiling, and reinstating documented elements like the low-hanging pendant lights and the original staircase position. These heritage details are thoughtfully integrated with a contemporary redesign that reimagines the library as a 21st-century learning space, complete with improved solar control, acoustics, lighting, and ventilation.

​

New glazed internal doors create a sense of openness from the moment of entry, offering clear sightlines through to a newly introduced, flexible teaching space designed for seminars, talks, and events. The overall atmosphere is one of calm and comfort, encouraging students to relax, whether curling up with a book in a cozy chair or focusing on studies at a restored oak desk.

​

Now once again home to over 30,000 books, the revitalised library is a vibrant, welcoming hub. Highlights include a new glazed entrance, upgraded lighting throughout, and fine design details such as the repositioned staircase and the school’s heart and wings emblem subtly embossed on each oak study table.

​

Haileybury believes that reading should be both a pleasure and a daily habit for every student. The redesigned library embodies this philosophy, with inviting seating, ambient lighting, and a variety of zones to support reading, independent study, seminars, and social interaction, all while respecting and celebrating the building’s architectural heritage.

​

Following a positive collaboration with the local planning authority, the project received unconditional listed building consent and was delivered in a ten week summer holiday by working closely with the School's in house projects team.