Exeter College Centre for Law & Social Sciences

The Centre for Law & Social Sciences was created as part of Exeter College’s long term vision to expand its academic offer and respond to growing demand for legal and social science education. Opened in 2023, the £12 million investment represents the College’s largest commitment to a new academic building and a significant step forward for its campus.

Designed to support pathways in law, psychology, sociology, criminology, politics and related disciplines, the project delivers a future-ready environment where students can learn, collaborate and thrive. More than a new building, it is an investment in people, opportunity and the next generation of professionals.

The ambition was to create a landmark academic destination that would inspire learning, strengthen the College’s reputation and provide lasting value for students, staff and the wider community.

AWW worked closely with Exeter College and the wider delivery team to shape a building that balances high-performing educational space with warmth, identity and longevity. The result is a contemporary environment that supports academic excellence today while remaining flexible for tomorrow’s needs.

The design brings together architectural clarity, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place. The building has been carefully composed to sit confidently within its campus setting while responding sensitively to the site’s contours, landscape and neighbouring buildings.

A grounded base of Staffordshire red brick is paired with lightweight standing seam cladding above, creating a distinctive yet contextual identity. Vertical rhythms in the façade echo the surrounding mature trees, while carefully considered glazing maximises daylight.

Inside, a dramatic central atrium creates the social and visual heart of the building. A handmade full width stained glass curtain wall filters light through the space, animating interiors throughout the day. Warm timber tones, crisp white surfaces and projecting meeting bays create a welcoming, connected environment that encourages movement, visibility and interaction.

The project required careful coordination from concept through to completion. AWW successfully navigated planning, technical and statutory requirements while protecting the original design vision and ensuring the building performed at every level.

The live college setting demanded meticulous phasing and programming, including the early handover of one floor 12 weeks ahead of schedule. Construction works were carefully managed around teaching activities, examinations and daily campus life to minimise disruption.

Digital design tools and BIM were used throughout to coordinate the high-performance envelope and advanced MEP systems, resolving challenges early and supporting a smooth delivery process.

Sustainability was embedded from the outset through a fabric first, low carbon design approach focused on long term performance.

The building achieves:

• EPC A rating
• BREEAM Excellent
• Low operational carbon performance of 12.5 kgCO₂/m²/yr BER

High performance building fabric, efficient services and renewable technologies work together to reduce energy demand and running costs. Roof-mounted photovoltaics, connection to the district heating network and natural ventilation with heat recovery all contribute to lower carbon operation.

Sustainable Drainage Systems including rain gardens, semi-permeable paths and attenuation storage manage water responsibly while enhancing biodiversity across the site.

Local supply chains were prioritised throughout delivery, with 88% of suppliers being SMEs and £6.1 million spent with businesses across Devon and Somerset.

This generated a measured social return of over £3.6 million to the local economy while creating employment opportunities, apprenticeships and training pathways.

The team also engaged with schools and colleges through workshops, site visits and work experience opportunities, helping inspire future careers in construction, design and the built environment.

Designed around the needs of students and staff, the building provides 25 modern classrooms, dedicated study areas, staff facilities and a range of social learning spaces.
Flexible teaching rooms support multiple learning styles, from seminars and lectures to group work and independent study. Video-enabled suites and remote learning pods connect students with legal professionals and experts worldwide, extending learning beyond the campus.

Wellbeing was central to the design approach. Generous natural light, views to the landscape and carefully managed acoustics create calm, uplifting spaces that support focus and reduce stress. Biophilic design principles bring nature into the daily experience of the building, while warm materials and inviting communal areas encourage connection and belonging.

The result is a place where students and staff feel supported, comfortable and motivated to do their best work.

The Centre has been designed to evolve with Exeter College over time. Adaptable teaching spaces, integrated digital infrastructure and multi-use learning environments allow the building to respond to changing curriculum needs and new ways of learning.

Future expansion opportunities remain embedded within the wider campus strategy, allowing the College to grow and adapt without significant disruption.