The Magdalen College Library project improves the existing services of the Grade II* listed library, bringing it into the 21st century.

The building, dating back to the 1850s, was originally used as school hall and previously reworked in the 1930's by Giles Gilbert Scott. Max Fordham worked extensively on the M&E and acoustic design.The building adopts more passive design strategies, maximising natural ventilation and daylighting, while minimising glare using interactive internal shades.

An energy efficient condensing boiler provides heating to the development using radiators integrated in the furniture. The existing chimneys at the Buckler Library were utilised as an exhaust air path from the basement book store while new automated vents were added into the refurbished roof, hidden from street view behind the parapets.

Despite its proximity to a busy road junction, the building is naturally ventilated. Extensive survey and noise mapping of the site was used to inform the best orientation for ventilation openings.