Niall McLaughlin’s scheme was the unanimous choice of the Judging Panel, his proposal stood out because of the depth of understanding and inspiration it demonstrated from a strategic to a detailed level.

The elliptical shape with its two focal points on the altar and lectern is a brilliantly simple innovative response to the traditional ‘college’ configuration for a chapel. This simple idea is just part of an approach that is both poetic and technical.

Ripon College Cuddesdon and the Oxford Ministry Course combine to make a thriving, vibrant single institution providing theological education and training for ministry. The new Chapel building is part of a major programme of expansion and consolidation of its buildings in order to meet the needs of ministerial formation and Christian education in the 21st century.

"From our first, very tentative enquiry until the successful conclusion of the competition, the whole competitions team were quite remarkably helpful and no small detail was too much trouble. We were at every stage gently and professionally shepherded through a superbly-honed, yet flexible, process which has delivered at a level we cannot otherwise conceive of having achieved. The cost of the competition we now see not as 'additional ' but, rather, as essential to realising our dream. Being unable to turn our vague vision into a well-received and professional, written brief was a result of the same quality of advice and encouragement which made short-listing from a field of 126 expressions of interest a process both thorough and decisive. I cannot recommend this process and those who deliver it too highly"The Reverend Lister Tonge, Chaplain, Begbroke Priory

Awards

• RIBA Award 2013
• Wood Award 2013
• Civic Trust Award 2014