The Royal Society, the world’s Oldest Independent Scientific Academy, appointed BFF as Architect and Master-planner, from concept design to completion, to convert the Chicheley Hall estate, Listed Grade I, II* and II, into the Kavli Royal Society International Centre. One of the country’s finest early Georgian country house estates, it is an outstanding example of early domestic Georgian architecture, showing Palladian influence in the site planning and Baroque influence in the details. The buildings sit in landscaped gardens laid out in the early 18th century.

The Kavli Royal Society International Centre hosts a programme of major scientific meetings; including high level ‘round tables’, policy forums at national and international level, and bilateral meetings with other academies. It also hosts a programme of science and mathematics education activities to support policy makers and teachers.

There was insufficient volume to provide the required lecture theatres in the main house, without seriously compromising the historic fabric. With the approval of English Heritage however, Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent was obtained to convert the Coach House, Listed Grade II, to provide these together with a new build glazed enclosure for registration and break out space. This facilitated minimal interventions to the Main House Listed Grade I, which provides reception, meeting rooms and bedrooms.