Balliol Student Residence

Description

Sophisticated student accommodation for the world’s oldest college, Balliol College in Oxford. A project that brings comfortable university living into the 21st century.

Background
Around 220 study bedrooms for students are to be built as part of the Master’s Field Project for undergraduates. Nine new buildings will provide student accommodation, which is expected to open in summer 2021. This Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) building will sit on the edge of the College’s sports field and the periphery of the city centre.

Challenges
Oxford, of course, is the city of dreaming spires, so historical sensitivity is extremely important. Plus, it’s a complex, compact place to build with a long list of technical challenges for engineers and contractors. The architectural design is very high-end, both inside and out.

Solutions
The current scheme is visionary with a complimentary working partnership with Balliol College and our fellow contractors at its centre. This is a phased development. Phase I meets the college’s immediate requirements with future flexibility built-in. The solution consists of a series of linked pavilions reflecting the suburban residential character of the area. The use of these discrete pavilions allows the required phasing. The site will also be served by a basement energy centre providing district heating and hot water services via combined power.