T.S. Eliot Theatre, Merton College

Merton College set out to create a new theatre that could support lectures, music and everyday college life – all within one of Oxford’s most historic settings.

The challenge was clear: design a contemporary building that feels completely at home within the existing fabric of the college and its surrounding landscape.

Designing a theatre that belongs to its setting

We provided architecture, building services engineering, cost management and structural engineering services, taking the project from concept through to delivery.

The theatre occupies a narrow gap between 1930s buildings on Rose Lane. Our team carefully studied the surrounding buildings, materials and proportions to shape a design that feels calm and well balanced. Outside, the palette is intentionally simple – stone and glass that sit naturally alongside the existing college architecture and nearby city wall.

Glass is used to create a light visual break between old and new, giving the building presence without weight. Above, a lightweight stainless steel roof echoes traditional leadwork, reducing both structural load and environmental impact.

Balancing acoustics, daylight and comfort

Performance shaped every part of the building. Large roof lights bring natural daylight into the auditorium, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. External louvres help control glare and soften the sound of heavy rain, while internal blinds allow full blackout when needed.

Inside, bespoke oak panelling was carefully designed to manage acoustics for both speech and music. Rich materials and warm finishes give the theatre a welcoming feel without distracting from its purpose.

Environmental design also played an important role. A low-energy evaporative cooling system supports comfort within the auditorium, while careful detailing prevents sound escaping into the surrounding gardens and meadow.

A contemporary addition to a historic college

The completed theatre provides a flexible home for lectures, performances and college events within the heart of Oxford.

By combining careful design, environmental thinking and acoustic performance, the project created a modern teaching and performance space that feels closely connected to its historic surroundings. The result is confident without being showy – a building that fits naturally into college life and the wider city.