Blue skies and glass roofs

NEW ATRIUM - PHBS-UK - BOARS HILL, OXFORD

Now just a few weeks from completion, Peking University's new atrium at Foxcombe Hall demonstrates how the best current construction technology can be so appropriate in conservation and heritage settings.

There's nothing like a sunny autumn day coinciding with a fortnightly site progress meeting. Other than the flooring and the commissioning of the mechanical and electrical services the project is virtually complete. This glorious day offered some photographic opportunities that could not be missed.

Previously the gap between Lord Berkeley's hall and some less desirable 20th century extensions was a cramped and under-used space crowded with oversized vegetation.

A completely new stone clad wall was built opposite the hall. This provides support for the glass and the geometry mirrors the hall windows on the other side. Where the glass roof meets the hall, support is provided by a large steel beam encased in rendered board. The beam is supported on a free-standing steel column where the glass roof changes level.

The junction between the existing tower and the new stone wall is managed by utilising a glass strip that continues downward from the high level windows.

The lower glass roof slots neatly into stainless steel channels set into the stone cladding in the new wall.

Unexpected reflections and shadows bring the space to life.

Potential overheating is managed by a powerful extraction system located in the nearby basement beneath the hall. Extraction floor grilles are ducted through the basement to grilles on the opposite side of the building.

Four of the large high level window panes have centre pivots and open automatically when required. Night time purging in summer keeps the temperature of the stone walls and porcelain floors down so each day has a fresh start.

Below are some views from our 3d design model, and some nostalgic photos of the courtyard as it was when our clients purchased the site from the Open University in 2017.

Main contractor: Kingerlee Ltd

Quantity surveyor: Wilson Large

Glazing sub-contractor: UK Glass Ltd

Structural engineer: OMK Design

Mechanical/electrical engineers: CBG Consultants

Heritage consultant: James Mackintosh Architects

Anthony Pettorino B.Arch RIBA

AJP Architects Ltd, Oxfordshire, UK.

October 2018