Oxford

Disused commercial premises were demolished to make way for this 140-bedroom Courtyard by Marriot hotel. The site is bounded by a road and river to the front and canal to the rear. A Norman castle, a former brewery, a former pub and stables as well as residential accommodation are also in the immediate vicinity of the site.

The challenge here was to reach a design solution that restored the street and canal edge, addressed the neighbouring historic brick buildings as well as the medieval castle. The result is an architectural form that steps down in height from its tallest point to meet the lower neighbouring former pub building. Both natural stone and traditional brick have been selected to sit comfortably and sympathetically with the immediate context. The building is due to complete in June 2019.