Uppingham School boarding houses

Uppingham School came to us with a clear ambition: to create two new boarding houses, Meadhurst and Farleigh, that would feel part of the school’s heritage but also bring something new. They wanted buildings that gave each house a strong identity, offered long-term value, and created a great place for students to live and connect.

Our first steps on the project were to undertake an options appraisal and develop a suitable masterplan. We had a site with an existing boarding house, a listed building, and plenty of green space. It was in a largely residential area, a ten-minute walk from the school's teaching accommodation.

We considered how the design could support phased construction, how to retain a listed building in the new plans, and economies of scale in construction and maintenance. 

Our preferred option created two new boarding houses, with shared design language and economies of scale in the masterplan, and individual personalities realised in the detail. The individual houses and Housemaster's accommodation are connected by a shared pavilion with dining, common rooms, and support facilities, all set within the landscaped grounds.

Working closely with the school, we explored how identity is expressed across the campus, from historic architecture to modern branding. We took inspiration from the crests and mottos of each house and translated those ideas into subtle architectural details. Nature-based symbols such as ferns and honeycombs were abstracted into perforated metal panels on the façades. These small details help the buildings feel personal and meaningful to the people who use them.

The houses are grouped around a new central green, with a shared dining pavilion at the centre. This green space is more than just landscaping; it gives the project structure, presence, and a real sense of place. It’s a space for daily life to unfold: movement, connection, and moments of calm.

We used a warm, simple palette of natural materials that draws directly from the character of Uppingham. Two distinct brick blends echo local stone colours, honey tones for one house and pale greys and creams for the other, helping them feel rooted in their surroundings.

These materials were chosen not just for their beauty, but for their durability and low maintenance. The result is architecture that feels timeless and built to last.

The setting is just as important as the buildings. We kept mature trees where we could and added new planting that will grow into a rich, green environment. A formal approach lined with pleached trees leads visitors through the site, while each house has its own landscaped garden space that enhances privacy and allows for moments of calm.

This project does more than meet a need for boarding places. It helps the school express who it is and where it's going. It is architecture with identity, rooted in heritage but built for the future. The design supports student wellbeing, daily life, and long-term stewardship, delivering quality that adds value from day one.