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Oxford University library wins fifth national award of 2025

Edward Burnett Profile Image
By Edward Burnett Reporter
The Jackson Library at Oxford University's Exeter College. <i>(Image: Exeter College / X)</i>
The Jackson Library at Oxford University's Exeter College. (Image: Exeter College / X)
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An Oxford University library has won a fifth national award this year. 

Exeter College’s Jackson Library has added to its impressive list of accolades, receiving a Sustainability Award and a commendation at the 2025 Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture Awards.

These honours follow the library’s earlier success at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South Awards, where it secured four major awards, including Building of the Year. 

The RIAI jury recognised the Jackson Library as a model of sustainable heritage architecture, applauding its "sensitive restoration and innovative environmental strategies".

READ MORE: University cutting nearly 200 jobs to protect future

The University of Oxford.The University of Oxford. (Image: Oxford Mail)

The project, led by Nex Architecture in collaboration with Donald Insall Associates, transformed the Grade II-listed neo-Gothic building into a light-filled, accessible, and energy-efficient space.

Key interventions included the use of prefabricated timber, sheep’s wool insulation, and natural ventilation to reduce embodied carbon and enhance user comfort.

The project also featured a new Clipsham stone entrance and lift, providing universal access for the first time. 

Earlier this year, the Jackson Library won four RIBA South Awards. These were Building of the Year, Conservation Award, Project Architect of the Year, and a regional award.

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It was also honoured by the Oxford Preservation Trust for Building Conservation.  

A statement from Exeter College following the win said: "The Jackson Library has done it again.

"Fresh off its four wins at the RIBA South Awards, it has now received a Sustainability Award and a commendation at the 2025 RIAI Architecture Awards.

"The Jackson Library’s continued recognition highlights Exeter College’s dedication to excellence in architecture and sustainability."

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