Peeling away modern and historic fabric layers takes close collaboration with construction and heritage teams
As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford strives to keep their existing estate renewed and complemented with new buildings. They reached out to us to help refurbish Grade-listed buildings from the 1880s to the 1970s—including the Grade I neo-gothic Museum of Natural History and the Grade II Radcliffe Science Library—to create Reuben College, Oxford’s first new college in 30 years.
We worked closely with construction and heritage teams. Extensive opening-up works allowed us to investigate the heritage building’s structure with the aim of reducing design and program risk. We reused and strengthened the existing structure where required and created a new link building providing Equality Act compliant access between the existing building levels.
Updating the environmental conditions of a 1970s basement helped improve storage conditions for the museum’s collection. Following consultation with waterproofing specialists, we designed and constructed a drainage system for a new climate-controlled storage facility within the restricted headroom space. Aesthetically sensitive external works included the removal and reinstatement of the formal lawn in front of the museum to improve surface water drainage.
Housed in stunning, architecturally renowned buildings, Reuben College provides an outstanding teaching and social space. Upgraded and re-designed storage spaces facilitate modern library teaching, collaboration spaces, and the new college.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- University of Oxford
- Partners
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- Morgan Sindall (Contractor)
- Architect
- FJMT Studio (Lead Architect), Purcell (Heritage Architect)
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