Longcross has recently completed a £3m extension to Queen Elizabeth House, home to the Department of International Development at Oxford University.
This followed on from the completion of an enabling works package involving the removal of an old 1960s extension and basement, and the construction of a new, modern replacement.
Great care has been taken to design a building that blends sympathetically with its environment while providing state of the art facilities for its occupants. The structure of the new building incorporates a three-storey reinforced concrete frame and a bronze-clad envelope has been designed to complement the Cotswold stone of the neighbouring 19th century building that will age in harmony with it over time. Meticulous attention to detail has been paid to all features to ensure that new and old blend seamlessly.
Meanwhile there is no reference to the past in terms of the application of technology. State of the art mechanical and electrical systems have been installed to offer students and teaching staff maximum comfort whilst at the same time affording maximum consideration to the environment. The building is naturally ventilated and cooled by means of large stack effect chimneys, Passivent controlled intakes and a thermal mass construction. The project spanned some forty eight weeks and completed on time and within budget in April 2009.
Dr John Hood, outgoing vice chancellor of the university, said in his handover speech: “It is especially pleasing when planning and execution come together in a beautiful building – simultaneously historic and innovative – such as this. It is a fine example of the care with which the university and its departments undertake essential and sensitive construction.”