Located on the banks of an historic canal in rural Oxfordshire, permissions have been granted for this Grade II listed public house to undergo a sensitive transformation into a high-end Japanese restaurant and event venue.

DuCroz architects were appointed to lead the design and planning process, securing both full planning permission and listed building consent for a bold yet respectful intervention.

The proposal retains and restores the historic fabric of the original inn, carefully conserving its stone elevations, chimney stacks, and vernacular roof form. Internally, the existing structure is reimagined to house an intimate dining experience that celebrates craftsmanship and material simplicity, in keeping with Japanese sensibilities.

Facing the garden, a contemporary pavilion, designed in close dialogue with traditional Japanese architecture, extends from the main building. This lightweight timber structure is elevated above the canal edge, framed by slender structural elements and expansive glazing. The floating form offers panoramic waterside views while maintaining a deliberately quiet visual language that contrasts the solid permanence of the listed structure.

The new function space is designed to accommodate private dining, seasonal events, and cultural gatherings, all within a refined architectural setting that reflects both the elegance of Japanese minimalism and the rich heritage of the original building.

Kellogg College acquired buildings on the Banbury Road in Oxford that were previously used to house the Pitt Rivers Museum's music collection.

The project required the museum galleries and conservation workshop to be converted into the college dining hall, bar, and kitchens.

Meeting rooms and reception areas were provided in the connecting buildings that joined the galleries to No 60 and 61 Banbury Road.

Jon undertook the detailed design and ran the project on site from start to completion. 

Brasenose College Bar is located in the basement of the Victorian Buildings of New Quad.

As part of the first phase of works for the 500 year anniversary project, the bar was reconfigured and  completely refurbished along with the college tuck shop.

The interior was stripped back to the original masonry before concealed services and new floor finishes were installed.

Bespoke built-in, and loose furniture was designed to hide a mass of cast iron pipe work and provide a flexible layout for various different functions.