Higher Education Estates May/June 2024

design solutions

said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime project to transform a landmark building

include former US president Bill Clinton, film director Terrence Malik and musician Kris Kristofferson) and several other global fellowship programmes. Developed in close collaboration with the Rhodes Trust and the wider design and construction team, Stanton Williams’ scheme transforms Rhodes House and gardens, with significant but respectful interventions that complement Herbert Baker’s architecture, while doubling its usable space and substantially improving its environmental performance. The project has carefully restored the 1920s building and its historic gardens and reorganised the site to establish clear circulation routes and zones, with new conference facilities in the centre; residential uses to the east; and new staff and scholar working accommodation to the west. The work was carried out during the restrictions created by Covid lockdowns and while the trust’s operations continued as normal. This meant sequencing works, as well as providing water and drainage and temporary usable spaces. Beard Oxford director Dean Averies

proportion of cement replacement, much of which has been left visible and expressed. By utilising coffers, ribs and vaults, the amount of concrete used in the exposed slabs has also been greatly reduced by as much as 30%. As part of the process, the existing building was underpinned using jet grouting, which uses high-velocity jets to cement and secure the soil. A movement tolerance of just 3mm was permitted for the existing building and any shifting was examined carefully during this process with movement monitors and tilt meters. The interior of Rhodes House is influenced by the arts and crafts movement and much of the new carved stone and woodwork echoes its themes. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1929, Rhodes House is located on South Parks Road, in the centre of historic Oxford. Set within extensive gardens, the building is the historic headquarters of the Rhodes Trust, an educational charity which oversees the world-renowned Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford (alumni of which

of international renown and our reputation for craftsmanship and

expertise in working heritage buildings was crucial to the success of the scheme. “We are extremely proud to have delivered on the Trust’s vision for a series of magnificent, inclusive and remarkable spaces.” Dr Elizabeth Kiss, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, adds: “The transformed Rhodes House represents the Trust’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse community of outstanding Scholars, based on inclusive excellence. This new world class building will be an ideal place for gathering, learning, collaborating and sharing, and will offer improved accessibility for all as we open our doors to new local and global audiences.”

www.stantonwilliams.com/en www.beardconstruction.co.uk

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