King William’s College

Designing a historical school’s forward‑thinking educational facilities

King William’s College is an established independent boarding school on the Isle of Man. With an estate of historical significance, the school required modern, high‑performance teaching spaces delivered without compromising the architectural character that defines its identity.

Key facts

Client: King Williams College
Status: Ongoing
Location: Isle of Man
Services provided:

  • Lead Designer
  • Contract Administrator
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape Design
  • Architect
  • Principal Designer- Building Regulation
  • Masterplanning
  • Technical Delivery

About the project

With several listed buildings across the campus, safeguarding heritage value was essential. We prepared a comprehensive estate masterplan identifying priority upgrades from structural improvements to energy efficiency measures. Ensuring all proposals aligned with conservation requirements.

The Science Department refurbishment focused on creating flexible, collaborative, and safety‑compliant teaching environments. Spaces were redesigned to separate practical and theoretical zones, improve circulation and increase technology integration. The upgrade also enhanced building safety systems to support the handling of hazardous materials and contemporary teaching requirements.

Much of the original science building was rebuilt following a fire in 1844 and is now on the Protected Buildings Register for its architectural and historic significance. As a result, all interventions from window repair to re‑roofing required rigorous material selection and strict adherence to conservation standards.

The sports pavilion was seen as a viable option for redevelopment to support increased and varied use by multiple teams. Originally orientated towards the cricket pitch, its layout no longer served current operational needs. The project introduced a sensitive extension facing the rugby pitch, alongside internal refurbishments including adaptable changing rooms. All works preserved the historic external appearance, retained the original player entrance ‘journey’ and maintained the pavilion’s architectural significance.

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