New student accommodation building on a confined site, constructed without affecting the operation of surrounding college buildings.

RIBA South Award 2018
WAN Awards 2018 – Regional Winner EMEA
Civic Trust Award 2019

Eckersley O’Callaghan has provided structural and civil engineering services for a scheme to improve the facilities for the academic community at St Peter’s College, Oxford.

We have been involved in the construction of a new four-storey accommodation building, the reconfiguration of surrounding existing buildings, and the remodeled landscaping of two of the college’s quads.

The new accommodation building is on a confined site and there were requirements that the surrounding buildings would remain operational during construction. We used a steel frame construction to ensure that the structure could be erected in such a tight space.

Vertical circulation has been provided by a steel-framed lift enclosure and steel-framed staircase, which was designed with flights between floors spanning approximately 7.5 metres unsupported.

Teaching spaces within the existing Chavasse Building have been revamped, with 5-metre steel ‘picture frames’ allowing the provision of large folding doors between spaces to give greater flexibility of use.

Meanwhile, we implemented several strategies, including porous paving and a soakaway, to improve the drainage of the Chavasse and Hannington Quads. A new access ramp, steps, planters, and circular tree pit have also been provided.

Location
Oxford, UK

Client
St Peter’s College

Architect
Design Engine