North Oxford Development Project

2.3 HERITAGE ASSETS: THE NORTH OXFORD VICTORIAN GARDEN SUBURB CONSERVATION AREA 

1 WELCOME 

2 

2 

North Oxford Development Project, University College Oxford 

We are pleased to present University College’s emerging proposals 

for the development of its North Oxford College site. We hope 

that you find this exposition informative and the proposed concept 

appealing as it celebrates ‘villas and gardens’ in a manner in 

 

keeping with the Victorian Conservation Area location. We 

welcome your comments and feedback. 

Public Consultation 

 

The later, mid to late twentieth-century University structures that, 

although not listed, provide diversity in terms of scale, fabric, and use, 

thereby contributing to the ‘vibrancy’ of the Conservation Area; 

Parts of the garden plots and the varied planting, that both screen and 

soften the built forms, provide a generally leafy character perceivable 

from mainly Character within the of Site, Conservation but also from a Area limited number of 

locations in the immediate surrounding streets via some gaps between 

street front properties. The most prominent mature specimen trees 

from the nineteenth century form eye-catching landscape features and 

contribute positively in architectural, historic and aesthetic terms to 

the character and appearance of the conservation area. 

The curved Site boundary to the north and the generally irregular Site 

outline serves as a reminder of the historic laying out of the centre of 

the block; and 

University College is shaping a comprehensive and exemplary 

development on its North Oxford site to meet both its pressing and 

longer terms needs to accommodate its graduate and undergraduate 

members. In so doing, it will help meet the needs of Oxford City in 

providing adequate college accommodation for its student members. 

The development will therefore reduce student pressure on the City’s 

more affordable housing stock. The proposal also includes a children’s 

nursery for public use, and ancillary student facilities including a gym, 

café, academic study spaces and meeting rooms. 

 

Historic nineteenth-century brick boundary walls and relic garden 

buildings form a contrasting form and purpose in comparison to the 

lower street front walls seen elsewhere in the conservation area. The 

garden buildings and the historic planting (surviving mature trees), 

including the relic Edwardian orchards, clearly reflect the ‘garden 

suburb’ nature of the Conservation Area. The historical character of 

such gardens found within the Site includes productive uses in addition 

to an aesthetic amenity value . 

The North Oxford Victorian Suburb Conservation Area is a heritage asset of 

moderate (regional) significance, as attested by its statutory designation. 

No. 78, Woodstock Road 

Plate 5: Reclcliffe Maud House main, southern elevation 

No. 28, Staverton Road 

Plate 6: 5 Staverton Road main, northern elevation 

No. 52, Banbury Road 

1 

This application builds on an extant planning permission for student 

accommodation known as ‘Six Pavilions’ that was secured alongside 

the new residential home for Fairfield. While the Fairfield Residential 

Home is now complete, the ‘Six Pavilions’ scheme will be set aside in 

favour of this proposal, subject to planning permission. The following 

display boards illustrate a comprehensive vision for the site. 

The vision is for a landscape-led proposal which properly celebrate 

the existing mature specimen trees, most notably the two cedars 

visible from Banbury Road. New villa buildings are positioned around 

a series of lawns and courts. New buildings and the important current 

building stock will be sensitively landscaped. The works will include 

the reinstatement and enhancement of orchards and new planting of 

native trees. The biodiversity of the site will be increased. 

1850 Engraving by N. Whittock of the city of Oxford 

We welcome your comments and questions and encourage you 

to complete and return the feedback forms by Monday 25th July. 

No. 94 Woodstock Road 

No. 5, Staverton Road 

No. 113, Banbury Road 

1. University College Oxford 

2. Woodstock Road and Banbury Road leading to University College Oxford, North Site 

Character of Site 

Woodstock Road 

Banbury Road 


Banbury Road 

1887 OS Map 

1939 OS Map 

Fairfield House 

View across the site looking south-east from Fairfield House 

Recent History of Site 

1960s 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

July 2018 

January 2019 

July and September 2019 

4th Quarter 2019 

Philip Dowson Buildings 

Fairfield Residential Home & Six 

Pavilion Scheme 

Acquire Fairfield Villa 

Univ’s Architect Competition 

Option appraisal over 

emerging brief 

New Fairfield Residential 

Home occupied 

Full design team work on 

RIBA Stage 2 


Anticipated planning 

application submission 

Níall McLaughlin Architects

2 SITE ANALYSIS AND CONCEPT 



Existing Gardens & Spaces 

Existing Trees 

Concept 

The site has a leafy character, however is 

generally is not well defined and as a result is 

underused. 

The straight brick wall that runs across the south 

of the site from Banbury to Woodstock Roads 

still marks the transition boundary between farms 

and villas. 

The view and main approach to Fairfield 

Residential Home from Banbury Road is undefined 

and compromised by existing Fairfield House 

extensions. The setting of Redcliffe-Maud House 

is cluttered and unwelcoming. 

Access across the site is compromised and 

limited by steps. 

Fairfield Residential Home Access - 

Cluttered approach from Banbury Road 

The walnut, mulberry and apple trees across the 

site are reminders of when North Oxford was 

covered by orchards and market gardens over a 

century ago. 

There are a number of large and mature trees, 

including significant specimens, such as the 

cedar of Lebanon near Banbury Road, a beautiful 

copper beech south-west of the Victorian Fairfield 

villa and a mulberry tree in front of the Edwardian 

Redcliffe - Maud House. 

Frontage of Fairfield House - Space feels utilitarian and does not 

celebrate the Cedar of Lebanon 

The proposal is for the current and new buildings 

to frame a series of gardens and courts located 

connected by a principal east-west path. 

The new buildings define open, south-facing 

spaces. The new accommodation blocks are 

not linked, but have ‘open corners’ to provide a 

generous permeability and appealing view-lines. 

All buildings are to be set within garden plots 

with varied planting that enhances the built 

forms. With retained brick walls, garden buildings 

and orchards across the site, the ‘garden 

suburb’ nature of the Conservation Area will be 

emphasised in both the functional, active spaces 

and the areas for quiet reflection. 

The pedestrian entrance on Banbury Road is 

clearly visible as the main pedestrian entrance. 

Students, staff and visitors will typically use this 

entrance and the new east to west pedestrian 

pathway. It is also accessible from Staverton 

Road. In addition, a new cycle path runs along 

the line of, and hidden by, the southern wall. 

Vehicles enter the site only through controlled 

access points of 115A Banbury Road and next 

to 25 Staverton Road, and there is not a vehicle 

route through the site. 

Existing photograph of Redcliffe-Maud House looking East 

Mulberry Tree - Opportunity to celebrate champion trees within 

the landscape setting 

Copper Beech - Opportunity to frame significant landmark trees 

Site Constraints and Opportunities for 

Improvement and Response 

Site Response 

New entrance - 

more welcoming 

increased width 

and added trees 

These diagrams 

illustrate the design 

analysis and form 

the basis of the 

fundamentals of 

the development 

concept. 

1 

Staverton 

Rd lane is 

narrow and 

unwelcoming 

Rose garden 

is isolated and 

not well used 

Nursery 

New framed 

entrance square 

from Staverton Rd 

3 

No connection 

Area 

cluttered and 

not well used 

2 

Garden 

to front of 

Redcliffe- 

Maud to be 

celebrated 

Garden walls and 

planting create 

disconnected green 

spaces and prevent link 

4 

Access 

compromised 

by steps 

Blank 

elevation 

to south 

Low quality 

extension to 

be removed 

Garden to rear of 

Fairfield House 

is undefined and 

too open 

Copper Beech 

tree to be 

celebrated 

View and main approach 

to Fairfield Residential 

Home is undefined and 

compromised by existing 

Fairfield House extensions 

Area used for car parking. 

Cedar trees are not 

celebrated 

Low quality extension 

to be removed 

No connection 

through site 

New bicycle link 

from Woodstock Rd 

Framed and 

accessible space to 

west of Redcliffe- 

Maud House 

Woodstock 

Rd 

Villa 

Terrace 

Villa 

New active 

lawn to 

west of 

Greenwood 

Buildings 

orientated to 

minimise north 

facing bedrooms 

New stepfree 

terrace 

South facing 

garden 

Mulberry tree 

retained and 

celebrated 

Rose 

garden 

integrated 

and 

accessible 

Water 

Court 

West 

Villa 

Quiet 

Space 

Cycle parking 

integrated into 

landscape 

Water 

Court 

East 

Villa 

Becomes active and 

social heart of new 

campus. Framed by new 

villas and Fairfield House 

Vehicle and service access 

integrated 

Walnut 

Court Villa 

Animated by 

communal uses 

at ground floor 

Walnut Lawn 

Copper Beech 

tree retained 

and celebrated 

Branbury 

Rd 

Villa 

View and main entrance 

approach inproved 

Front garden created to 

improve setting of Fairfield 

House from Banbury Rd 

Pedestrian path 

through the site 

Cedar trees 

celebrated 

New bicycle entrance 

and cycle path 

through the site 


Plant 

8 sq m 

Ablutions 

6 sq m 

Flexible Playspace 

66.9 sq m 

Meeting Room 

14 sq m 

Ablutions 

12.6 sq m 

GIA 

238.9 sq m 

Kitchen 

5.9 sq m 

Office 

12.9 sq m 

Flexible Playspace 

65.6 sq m 

GIA 

335.5 sq m 

GIA 

250.4 sq m 

Linen Cupboard 

1.4 sq m 

GIA 

333.8 sq m 

GIA 

28.2 sq m 

Quiet Space 

28.2 sq m 

GIA 

333.9 sq m 


1.4 sq m 

Laundry 

2.8 sq m 

Ablutions 

2.3 sq m 

Office 

4.7 sq m 

Commercial Kitchen 

48.6 sq m 

Cafe 

152.7 sq m 

GIA 

335.5 sq m 

Plant 

3 sq m 

Cleaning Cupboard 

2.6 sq m 

Storage 

3.3 sq m 

Ablutions 

16.5 sq m 

Bin Store 

8.4 sq m 

Laundry 

7.7 sq m 

GIA 

248.9 sq m 

Storage 

0.7 sq m 


1.2 sq m 

GIA 

5.8 sq m 

GIA 

201.9 sq m 


3 PROPOSED SITE PLAN 


Approach to the Site 

The proposed series of varied and harmonious 

garden spaces will complement and enhance 

the current mature landscape setting. Buildings 

are carefully placed to frame these spaces to 

continue the historic concept of ‘arcadian villas 

and gardens’. 

Staverton Road 

M 

The scale, materiality and designed form of the 

buildings respect their Victorian setting and context, 

and aim to create delightful environment in a 

garden landscape. They are designed to maximise 

sunlight, views and pedestrian connections for the 

enjoyment of students, residents, staff and visitors. 

Nursery 

The scheme comprises: 

• The repurposing of the existing Victorian Fairfield 

House, 

Skirlaw 

M 

Fairfield 

Residential 

Home 


1.2 sq m 

Living / Dining / Kitchen 

21.3 sq m 

• The removal of the insensitive extensions to 

Fairfield House, 

Bathroom 

6.5 sq m 

Laundry 

2 sq m 

Storage 

2.3 sq m Bedroom 

Lobby 

15.6 sq m 

3.3 sq m 

Study 

6.9 sq m 

Lobby 

Lobby 

Storage 

1.1 sq m 

2.8 sq m 

0.7 sq m 

Bathroom 

Bedroom / Living / Dining / Kitchen 

4.9 sq m 

23.5 sq m 

• The construction of six new residential buildings, 

two ancillary structures and a nursery, 

• 150 additional student bedrooms across the 

site, and 

• A thoughtful and comprehensive landscape that 

responds to the inter-generational community 

that will use the site. 

Proposed New Trees 


Percy 

Bennet 

L 

Terrace Villa 

Storage 

3.3 sq m 

Changing Room 

13.9 sq m 

Plant 

Bedroom 

3 sq m 

13.2 sq m 


15 sq m 


Bathroom 

2.6 sq m 

3.4 sq m 

Gym 

120.2 sq m 

Lobby 

2.9 sq m 

Corridor 

3.5 sq m 

Lobby 

4.6 sq m 

Storage 

2.9 sq m 

Laundry 


4.1 sq m 

15 sq m 

Changing Room 

13.9 sq m 

Bin Store 

Bedroom 

7.1 sq m 

Bathroom 

13.7 sq m 

6.4 sq m 

Redcliffe - 

Maud House 

Bedroom 

11.8 sq m 

Bin Store 

7.1 sq m 

Common Space 

154.8 sq m 

Rose Garden 

Laundry 

4.4 sq m 

Storage 

3.3 sq m 


15 sq m 

Ablutions 

10.7 sq m 

Bathroom 

3.1 sq m 

Lobby 

2.9 sq m 

Corridor 

3.5 sq m 

Lobby 

2.9 sq m 


Bathroom 

2.6 sq m 

3.4 sq m 


15 sq m 

Bedroom 

Plant 

13.2 sq m 

3 sq m 

Student 

Gym 

G 

G 

Water Court 

F 

Ablutions 

4.3 sq m 

Bin Store 

Academic Space 


7.1 sq m 

13.6 sq m 

15.9 sq m 

Kitchen 

6.2 sq m 

Laundry 

4.4 sq m 


14.1 sq m 

Common 

Space 


15.9 sq m 


2.6 sq m 

Adminstration 

33.3 sq m 


36.4 sq m 

Storage 

3.3 sq m 


33.6 sq m 

Plant 

3 sq m 

Lobby 

Bathroom 

3.4 sq m 

3.2 sq m 

Bedroom 

14.8 sq m 

Walnut Lawn 

Villa 

Student Café 

C 

C 

C 

D 

Fairfield 

House 

Banbury Road 

A. Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) 

B. Malu spp. (Oxford local species apples) 

C. Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime) 

D. Malus bramley (Bramley apple) 

E. Juglans regia (Walnut) 

F. Robinia Frisia (Robinia) 

G. Pyrus (Pear) 

C 

Woodstock 

Road Villa 

Robinia 

Lawn 

Greenwood 

K 

Mulberry 

Lawn 

K 

J 

I 

Water Court 

West Villa 

Quiet SpaceI 

H H 

Water Court 

East Villa 

E 

Walnut Lawn 

E 

Banbury 

Road Villa 

B 

A 

C 

H. Luma apiculata (Chilean myrtle) 

I. Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) 

J. Fagus s. asplenifolia (Cut-leaf beech) 

K. Morus nigra (Mulberry) 

L. Zelkova serrata (Zelkova) 

M. Fagus sylvatica (Beech) 

C’ 

C 

C’ 

C 

N 

1:500 @ A1 

0 10m 

20m 

Use Key : 

Study bedroom 

Single flat 

Common use 

Academic use 

Reception area 

Ancillary spaces 

Internal circulation 

Nursery 

Sub-station 

Refuse store 

Quiet space Student gym 

Outline of ‘Six Pavilions’ scheme 


Woodstock Road House (Existing) 

Woodstock Road Villa 

Terrace Villa 

Greenwood (Existing Building) 

Redcliffe-Maud (Existing Building) 

Water Court West Villa 

Water Court East Villa 

Walnut Lawn Villa (In Elevation) 

Banbury Road Villa 

Banbury Road 

Long section CC across the site 

Fairfield Residence Home (Behind) 

Site Extents 

Fairfield House (Behind) 

10m 20m 30m 


4 BANBURY ROAD 



Boards 4 to 7 

The following boards describe the setting and 

interior layouts of the accommodation villas. The 

narrative starts at Banbury Road frontage and 

moves westwards to the Staverton Road access 

way. 

Generally, active communal use is at ground 

floor level and predominantly at the eastern part 

of the site. These easternmost villas house a 

variety of shared amenities to provide a focus for 

community and modest collegial activity. 


A small reception in Banbury Road Villa is the 

only adminstration office in the new buildings. 

Visitors may take shelter under an outside 

canopy and enjoy immediate views of the gardens 

beyond. The Banbury Road Villa accommodates 

5 academic spaces and student accommodation 

on the first and second floors. 

Walnut Lawn Villa - Student Café 

Refer to View 3 on Board 5 

The student café at the northern end of the 

walnut tree-lined lawn is designed with informal 

seating as well as quiet reading zones. The 

cafe’s generous full height glazing allows views 

over the terrace and onto the lawn. 

Its supporting functions are located on the 

northern side for ease of access to the driveway 

for deliveries and collection. 

A 

No. 117 

Elevation 

1 

Student Café 

View 1 - Rendered view from Banbury Road of Fairfield House, Walnut L awn Villa and Fairfield Residential Home with new trees lining the boulevard (Existing brick shed shown in outline). 

Walnut Lawn 

Villa 

Porter’s 

Lodge & 

Reception 

Fairfield 

House 

2 

Banbury Road 

Walnut Lawn 

Banbury 

Road Villa 

A 

3 

A 

Use Key : 

Study bedroom 

Common use 

Reception area 


Sub-station 

No. 113 

A’ 

Single flat 

Academic use 


Nursery 

Refuse store 

A 

A 

Water Court & Walnut Lawn (N.T.S.) 

View 2 - Rendered view of the Entrance from Banbury Road showing existing cedars in the foreground and proposed new orchard planting 

A’ 

A’ 

Banbury Road Elevation 

Entrance and Porters’ Lodge 


Site Extents 

Fairfield House (Existing Building) 

Section A-A’ 

1:500 

10m 20m 30m 

10m 

20m 

30m 

Site Section AA 

Walnut Lawn Villa 


Fairfield House (In Elevation) Porters’Lodge and Entrance 

Site Extents 

Section A-A’ 

1:500 

Garden to Rawlinson Road House 

10m 20m 30m 

10m 

20m 

30m 

Rawlinson Road H 

B 

B 

Níall McLaughlin Architects 

B’ 

B’

5 WALNUT LAWN 



View 3 - Rendered view of Walnut Lawn, looking North towards the student café (Refer to Board 4 for location) 


Shelves 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

Wheelchair 

Parking 

Shelves 

Wardrobe 

Riser Riser Above 

Riser Riser 

Riser Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser Above 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

Cleaning 

Cupboard 

Shelves 

24 Risers @ 156.25mm 

12 

1 

10 

8 

9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Riser 

Shelves 

Wardrobe 

6 WATER COURT 

Benefits of the Proposal vs. the ‘Six Pavilions’ Scheme 



Southern Elevation of Fairfield Residential Home 

• The Water Court Villas occupy a broadly 

similar footprint to the permitted ‘Six Pavilions’ 

scheme, but allow for more space, permeability 

and an improved aspect. 

• Distance from the southern boundary has 

been increased to conserve existing trees to 

the south of the site. 

• The two new residential buildings are spaced 

more widely than the previous ‘Six Pavilions’ 

scheme which allows space for a simple paved 

forecourt with a reflecting rill and benches. 

This will create an entrance and outside space 

for the accommodation buildings. 

• The Quiet Space, a stand-alone pavilion to 

the south of the Water Court, may be used for 

quiet study. 

• The scheme has no new basements, which will 

reduce construction programme and impact. 

The College is exploring with the trustees of Fairfield Residential Home the merits 

of espalier pear planting on the southern walls of the home and possible the 

installation of balconies on the first and second floor for the amenity of its residents. 

Fairfield Residential Home 

Rose Garden 

Balcony to the South of 

Fairfield Residential Home 

Water Court West Villa 

Water Court East Villa 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

AHU 

Workout benches 

Rowing Machine 

Trendmills 

Gym 

Gym 

116 sq m 

Riser Above 

Riser Above 

Multi-exercise centres 

Yoga Mats 

AHU (TBC) Riser Riser 

Common Space 

Common Space 

146.3 sq m 

Ablutions 

13.7 sq m 

Ablutions 

13.7 sq m 

Chair Store 

Table Store 

Riser 

Bin Store 

3.4 sq m 

Laundry 

4.4 sq m 

Lift Shaft 

1600 x 1750 

Linen 

Cupboard 

Storage 

6.8 sq m 


13.9 sq m 

Bathroom 

6 sq m 


13.9 sq m 

Bedroom 

12.8 sq m 

Corridor 

8 sq m 

Bathroom 

2.3 sq m 

Bedroom 

10.6 sq m 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

Riser 

Lift Shaft 

1600 x 1750 

Shelves 

Cleaning 

Cupboard 

Laundry 

4.4 sq m 

Bin Store 

3.4 sq m 

Water Court 

Walnut Lawn 

Linen 

Cupboard 

24 Risers @ 156.25mm 

Riser 

Riser Riser 

Storage 

6.8 sq m 


13.9 sq m 

Bathroom 

6 sq m 


13.9 sq m 

Bedroom 

11.2 sq m 

Bathroom 

2.3 sq m 

Corridor 

8.3 sq m 

Wardrobe 

Bedroom 

12.6 sq m 

4 

Wardrobe 

Quiet 

Quiet 28.2 sq m 

Space 

Water Court Plan (N.T.S.) 

View 4 - Rendered view of Water Court, looking North towards Fairfield Residential Home. Proposed balcony and pear trees added to Fairfield Residential Home 

Use Key: 

Residential 

Common use 

Quiet space 


Student gym 


Outline of ‘Six Pavilions’ scheme 



7 WOODSTOCK AND STAVERTON ROAD 


At the western end of the site there are two student accommodation 

buildings and a nursery. The accommodation buildings have limited 

visibility from Woodstock Road as per Views 6 and 7. 

Following consultation with Oxford City Council, these views have been 

produced to illustrate the proposals as seen from Woodstock Road. They 

convey that, when viewed through the trees of Woodstock Road gardens, the 

proposed buildings are seen only partially. 

Staverton Road 

8 

No. 21 

No. 19 

No. 23 

No. 25 

No. 104 

Nursery 

Skirlaw 

Fairfield Residential 

Home Car Park 

Percy 

Bennet 

Terrace Villa 

9 

View 5 - Staff, students and visitors route, looking East towards Water Court West Villa 

Redcliffe - 

Maud House 


No. 100 

5 

Woodstock 

Road Villa 

6 

No. 98 

Robinia 

Lawn 

Mulberry 

Lawn 

No. 96 

Greenwood 

7 

No. 94 

Ground floor plan of the Banbury Road Villa and Fairfield House (N.T.S.) 

View 6 - Current proposal of Woodstock Road Villa as seen from Woodstock Rd between no. 98 & 96 

View 7 - Current proposal of Woodstock Rd Villa as seen from Woodstock Rd between no. 96 & 94 

Use Key: 

Residential 

Common use 

Quiet space 


Student Gym 



8 COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES 



A 

Staverton Road Nursery 

B 

The Orchard & Garden Spaces 

The nursery is located in the north-western corner of the site at the Staverton Road 

entrance. The building is a single storey structure that follows the design guidance for 

premises to house a nursery, available to the public, with up to 50 places. 

Heritage orchards, along with those shared with the residents of the new Fairfield 

Residential Home will be maintained and sensitively enhanced. The aspiration is that 

these resources will provide an attractive amenity for the inter-generational community. 

View 8 - Rendered view of the nursery from Staverton Road (View labelled on Board 7) 

The Orchard north of Fairfield Residential Home 

F 

New Landscaping to the West of Redcliffe-Maud House 

C 

Student Café 

Changes are proposed to enhance inclusive access for the those with restricted mobility. 

The levels of the paths will be regularised, and the southfacing terrace of Redcliffe-Maud 

House extended. Additional mulberry tree planting is proposed for the lawn. 

The student café is designed with informal seating as well as quiet reading zones. 

The cafe’s generous full height glazing encourages views over the terrace and onto 

the tree-lined lawn down to the specimen copper beech. 

PLACEMAKING FOR AN 

INTERGENERATIONAL 

COMMUNITY 

View 9 - Rendered view of Redcliffe-Maud House & Greenwood looking East with Water Court West Villa beyond 

(View labelled on Board 7) 

The student café with external seating alongside of the pedestrian path, overlooking Walnut Lawn 

E 

The Rose Garden 

D 

Balcony to the South of Fairfield Residential Home 

This vital space to the east of Redcliffe-Maud House is already greatly appreciated by 

the residents of Fairfield Residential Home and will be preserved. 

View from Fairfield Residential Home looking south to Water Court. Landscaping and 

planting enhance the views out from the Residential Home. The potential for a balcony 

would provide further opportunities for residents to enjoy the gardens. 

Rose Garden with bluebells in the early spring 

Residents of Fairfield Residential Home with local students 


9 BUILDING DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY 



Façade Design 

Proposed Sustainability Strategy 

The form and façade strategy for the 

accommodation buildings aims to develop a 

confident architectural scale and language that 

unifies the new buildings as a coherent ensemble 

that responds directly to the existing character of 

the surrounding Conservation Area. 

The emerging design utilises architectural design 

elements from the local vernacular to provide 

simple and recognisable references, including 

pitched roofs, gabled elevations, use of vertical 

elements, carefully detailed and articulated 

window openings, and interiors with a distinct 

relationship to the garden spaces. 

3 

2 

The proposals target a 40% reduction in carbon 

emissions by employing a multifaceted approach, 

including: 

• Fabric first design with high levels of insulation 

• High quality windows with generous openings 

for good natural light and ventilation 

• Glazing areas considered to avoid overheating 

• Low carbon technology including: 

• Air source heat pump for hot water 

• Use of heat recovery ventilation for fresh air 

All of this is to be achieved with sustainability at 

the fore. 

The key features in the façade strategy are: 

4 

1. The study bedroom windows are simple pairs 

of fixed and opening side-hung casements. 

The glazing is generous to provide the required 

daylight and free area for ventilation. 

1 

2. The top floor windows follow the roof line, 

clearly expressing these rooms as ‘attic 

spaces’. 

3. Clay tiles are proposed as the roof finish to sit 

well within the existing Victorian context. 

4. The strategy and materials are clearly 

contemporary while allowing variation to occur 

through location and type of windows. For 

example, we imagine that the fenestration 

to the kitchen / dining areas will be more 

generous and projecting. 

Structural Frame - CLT 

Cross laminated timber or ‘CLT’ is a method of 

sustainable construction that uses timber for the 

structure instead of higher carbon concrete or 

steel. 

Structural walls, floors and roofs are built in 

panels and assembled on site - meaning faster 

construction. An approximate 90% reduction 

in deliveries to site in the first 6-9 months of 

construction reduce 

Approximately 90% reduced deliveries to site for 

the first 6-9 months of construction and reduced 

overall construction period. 

Aerial view of East façade of Water Court West Villa 

Catherine Hughes Project, Somerville College by NMLA 

UNIV-NORTH - ENERGY STRATEGY 

Legislative context 

0.6 

The sustainability and energy targets of a building Our approach can be defined in 

0.2 

The aim of the environmental and energy strategy is to produce a 

various ways. 

An energy strategy that leads to low energy consumption with simple 

building which is: 

Section diagram showing mechanical and electrical plant strategy leads to of low a typical running building costs and more robust carbon reductions. 

Part L of the Building Regulations says that a new building’s annual 

0.1 

carbon emissions must be less than the emissions of the building as 

comfortable (the right temperature, sufficient ventilation, no glare, 0.5 

calculated Electricity with Grid an accredited - Part L calculation. The main energy demands in student residential buildings are generally 

good acoustics); 

Current Projected Oxford planning policy says that space there should heating be and a 10% domestic hot water. Space heating demands can be 

attractive (bright, airy); 

reduction in carbon emissions over the Part reduced L baseline, through with this passive architectural 

0 

design whereas domestic hot 

easy to use (giving people simple intuitive control of their 

reduction being provided by on-site renewable energy generation 

0.4 

2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 

technology 

water demands can only really be reduced by focussing on the supply of 

environment); 

UNIV-NORTH UNIV-NORTH - ENERGY STRATEGY 

Future Oxford planning policy says that a new building should 

low energy - ENERGY STRATEGY 

energy. 

achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions over the Part L 

and low carbon 

baseline and also achieve a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” 

0.6 

Our approach 

0.6 0.3 

Our In our approach view, a sensible energy strategy should aim to: 


An energy 100% 


strategy that leads to low energy consumption An energy strategy that leads to low energy consumption with simple Catering with simple 


Carbon context 


plant leads to low running costs and more robust carbon reductions. 

The carbon intensity of grid electricity is changing plant all leads 

the time to maintain low as new running comfortable costs and conditions more robust passively carbon for reductions. much of the 

Other 


90% 

comfortable (the right temperature, sufficient ventilation, no glare, 0.5 

renewable capacity brought on line and older, coal fired generation year 

The sustainability and energy targets of a building can be defined in 

0.5 0.2 

Gas emissions 

is 

Space heating heating 

comfortable (the right temperature, sufficient ventilation, no glare, 

Electricity Grid - 

The main energy demands in student residential buildings are generally 

decommissioned. Electricity 

various ways. 


Grid Grid - - Projected The main energy reduce demands space heating student demand residential passively buildings as far are as practical generally 


Projected 

space 80% heating and domestic hot water. Space heating DHW use use 


demands can be 


space heating focus and electrically domestic hot driven water. plant Space on the heating remaining demands heatcan be 


40.0 

We think that the energy strategy for the building should be considered reduced through passive architectural design whereas domestic hot 

Part L of the Building Regulations easy to use says (giving that a people new building’s simple intuitive annual control of their 

reduced through demands passive architectural design whereas domestic hot 


0.4 

against realistic carbon criteria to achieve the best performance. This 

70% 


environment); 

0.4 0.1 



environment); 

means that using electricity locally is less carbon intensive while the 

35.0 

low energy 

energy. 

low calculated energywith an accredited Part L calculation. 

“displacement” benefits of generating electricity energy. Preliminary 

locally are 

calculations 

smaller. 

suggest that the annual carbon emissions Difficult 

60% 

Difficult to 

to 

affect 

affect 

 

and Current low Oxford carbonplanning policy and low says carbon that there should be a 10% 

associated with such a strategy are >40% lower than a gas-fired Part-L these through 30.0 

reduction in carbon emissions over the Part L baseline, with this 

0 

0.3 

Strategies that move energy consumption from gas to electricity is a In our view, a sensible energy strategy should aim to: 

0.3 

In compliant our view, baseline a sensible scheme. energy strategy should aim to: 

50% 

building design 


2010 2020 2030 good long 2040 term strategy. Not 2050 only is the fuel’s carbon content ever 

25.0 

technology 

decreasing, but eliminating local fossil fuel emissions completely is 

maintain comfortable conditions passively for much of the 


The exact carbon maintain emissions comfortable would 

40% 

conditions depend passively the detailed much design of of the the 

Legislative Future context Oxford planning policy says that a new building should 

better for local air quality. 

year 

Space heating heating 20.0 

The sustainability and energy targets of a building can be defined in 

0.2 

buildings and year the modelling methodology chosen. 

The sustainability achieve a 40% and reduction energy targets in carbon of emissions a building over can be the defined Part L in 

0.2 

reduce space heating demand and passively domestic as hot far as hot practical 

various ways. 

reduce space heating 30% demand passively as far as practical 

various baseline ways. and also achieve a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” 

– 

15.0 

focus electrically driven plant on water the remaining dominate heat - 

focus electrically driven plant on the remaining heat it sense to 

Part L of the Building Regulations says that a new 100% building’s annual 

Catering 

20% 

demands 

it makes sense to 

focus any energy 

Part L of the Building Regulations says that a new building’s annual 

demands 

10.0 

Carbon context 

0.1 

carbon emissions must be less than the emissions 0.1 of the building as 

focus strategy any on these energy 


Other 

The carbon intensity of grid electricity calculated is changing with accredited all the time Part as L new calculation. 

Preliminary 

10% 

calculations suggest that the annual carbon emissions 

calculated with an accredited Part L calculation. 

90% 

Preliminary calculations suggest that the annual carbon emissions strategy these 5.0 

renewable Current capacity Oxford is planning brought policy Current on line says and Oxford that older, there planning coal should fired policy generation be says a 10% that is there should be a 10% 

Space heating 

associated with such a strategy associated are >40% with such lower a than strategy a gas-fired are >40% Part-L lower than a gas-fired Part-L 

decommissioned. 

reduction in carbon emissions reduction over in the carbon Part L emissions baseline, with over this the Part L baseline, with this 

0 

Indicative annual compliant 0% carbon baseline emissions scheme. 

0.0 

reduction being provided by on-site renewable energy 80% 

0 

compliant baseline scheme. 

generation 

2010 2020 

DHW use 


2010 2020 2030 2040 2030 2050 2040 2050 

1 

technology 

40.0 

We think technology that the energy strategy for the building should be considered 

The exact carbon emissions The would exact depend carbon emissions the detailed would design depend of on the the detailed design of the 

against Future realistic Oxford carbon planning criteria 

policy Future 

to achieve says Oxford that the a planning 

best new performance. building policy should says that 

This 

a new building 70% should 

buildings and the modelling buildings methodology and the chosen. modelling methodology chosen. 

achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions over the Part L 

means achieve that using a 40% electricity reduction locally in carbon is less emissions carbon intensive over the while Part Lthe 

35.0 

baseline and also achieve a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” 

“displacement” baseline and benefits also achieve of generating a BREEAM electricity rating of locally “Excellent” are smaller. 

60% 

Difficult to affect 

>40% 

Max Fordham LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership Registered office 

Catherine Hughes Project, Somerville College by NMLA Balliol College Student Accommodation by NMLA 

100% CO2 100% Equivalent emissions Registered these in Catering 

England of electricity and through 

Wales Number OC300026 and gas 42–43 Gloucester Catering 30.0Crescent, London, NW1 7PE Energy usage in student accommodation 

reduction in 

Carbon Strategies context that move energy Carbon consumption context from gas to electricity is a 

building design 

50% 

Other 

emissions 

The good carbon long term intensity strategy. of grid The Not electricity carbon only is the intensity is fuel’s changing of carbon grid all the electricity content time as ever is new changing all the time as new 

Other 

90% 

90% 

25.0 

renewable decreasing, capacity but eliminating is brought renewable local on fossil line capacity and fuel older, emissions brought coal fired completely on generation line and is older, is coal fired generation is 

Space heating 

Space heating 


40% 

Níall McLaughlin Architects 


better for local air quality. 

80% 

Space heating 

Indicative annual carbon emissions 

DHW 

20.0 

80% 

use Indicative annual carbon emissions 

DHW use 

and domestic hot 

40.0 

We think that the energy strategy for the building should 30% be considered 

40.0 

We think that the energy strategy for the building should be considered 

water dominate – 

15.0 


70% 


70% 

it makes sense to 

means that using electricity locally is less carbon intensive while the 

35.0 

35.0 

CO 2 Equivalent Emissions (kgCO 2e 2 Equivalent /kWh) Emissions (kgCO 2e /kWh) 

CO2 Equivalent Emissions (kgCO2ₑ / kWh) 

CO 2 Equivalent Emissions (kgCO 2e /kWh) 

UNIV-NORTH - ENERGY STRATEGY 



 

 

 

 

 

comfortable (the right temperature, sufficient ventilation, no glare, 




environment); 

low energy 

and low carbon 

l .yr) carbon emissions (kgCO 2 /m 2 .yr) 

2 .yr) 

Percentage of Energy Use 

CO 2 Equivalent Emissions (kgCO 2e /kWh) 

0.6 

0.5 

0.4 

0.3 

Electricity Grid - 


Annual carbon emissions (kgCO 2 /m 2 .yr) 

Our approach 

An energy strategy that lead 

plant leads to low running c 

The main energy demands i 

space heating and domestic 

reduced through passive arc 

water demands can only rea 

energy. 

In our view, a sensible energ 

 

 

 

maintain comfo 

year 

reduce space he 

focus electricall 

demands 

Preliminary calculations sug 

associated with such a strat 

compliant baseline scheme. 

The exact carbon emissions 

buildings and the modelling 

Indicative an 

Baseline gas-fired Part-L 

compliant scheme

10 NEXT STEPS 



Indicative Programme 

July 2019 

September 2019 


2nd Quarter 2020 


3rd Quarter 2023 

First Public Consultation 

Second Public Consultation 

Submission of Planning 

Application 

Anticipated OCC Determination 

of Planning Application 

Start on Site 

(Subject to Planning) 

Target Occupation 

Project Delivery Commitments 

• The college will appoint a contractor who is a member 

of the considerate constructor scheme. 

• The design will include prefabricated elements such 

as the cross laminated timber frame. This will reduce 

the number of deliveries (and therefore disruption by 

circa. 80% in the first 6-months of the project). 

• The contractor will be required to locate a traffic 

marshal on Banbury Road for the duration of the works 

to safely manage vehicles accessing and egressing 

site. 

• A construction traffic management plan will be agreed 

with the County Council well in advance of the works 

and will endeavour to: 

- Reduce deliveries outside of peak traffic hours in 

the morning and afternoon. 

- Exclude contractor parking on-site. 

- Monitor noise throughout the construction period. 

• Issue a monthly newsletter to all local neighbours 

updating on progress and forthcoming works. 

Photograph of the physical site model (1:250)

North Oxford Development Project

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