This project for University College Oxford is a new student residential collegiate development in the North Oxford Victorian Suburb Conservation Area (NOVSCA). The scheme, which will deliver up to 150 new student bedrooms and represents for the College, which celebrated its 775th anniversary in 2024, the largest single addition to the College’s accommodation in over three centuries. Níall McLaughlin Architects and landscape architect Kim Wilkie won the commission in 2018 following an architectural competition.

Known as 'Univ North', the scheme is redeveloping the college's existing satellite annexe in north Oxford, UK. The design team included mechanical, electrical and environmental engineer Max Fordham, project manager Bidwells, and ecologist GS Ecology.

The landscape-led proposal will provide accommodation and facilities to help nurture a multi-generational community. The project is built between an existing care home for the elderly, existing student accommodation and a new nursery all in a residential setting. The expanded site provides rooms for undergraduates, postgraduates, and early career academics, as well as a nursery. The new buildings will also house a student café, a gym, ancillary study rooms, and a multipurpose common space for college events.

Concept

The origins of the early conceptualisation included the embrace of people of all ages, from nursery children to elderly residents The design encourages everyone to interact and connect, with shared landscaped spaces for movement and rest. The buildings blend modern architecture with the Victorian Gothic style of the area and create a welcoming environment for all generations. Hybrid construction

Our partners B&K Hybrid Solutions delivered the structural elements comprising cross-laminated timber, (Sylva™ CLT Wall, Floor and Roofs), glulam, and steel members for SDC Builders Ltd. This project leveraged Stora Enso's Sylva Services preapplying Hydrophobic Coating, Temporary Membrane and preinstalling 428 lifting slings in the mill so when the elements arrive on-site, they are ready to install immediately.

Learn more about moisture management in this short video.

Future developments

Once completed, the development will comprise of 5 new student accommodation blocks in CLT, 2 new buildings using traditional methods and 2 material renovations of existing buildings. The student buildings are between 3 and 4 storeys high and aim to provide members of University College, Oxford with high quality facilities. The new provision will further enhance the community, which has had a home at the site on the Staverton Road site for well over 50 years.

Carbon footprint The Sylva kit only generated 21 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO₂e) to manufacture and 15 tonnes of CO₂e to transport on a flatbed semi-trailers and sea cargo. Compared to the 309 tonnes of carbon dioxide that the trees removed while growing and will store in the building, this amount is a small fraction. Choosing Sylva CLT elements instead of non-renewables avoided 464 tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator based on third party verified EPDs).

Wood Origins

The Sylva™ elements were made with wood sourced from PEFC-certified forests, ensuring that the timber used comes from sustainably managed forests. PEFC is one of the most trusted and widely recognised certifications for sustainable forest management.

Construction timeline

Planning permission was granted in October 2020 and site preparation began in January 2023. Breaking ground and the start of construction began in February 2023. First occupancy of the new buildings is expected in late 2025.

Publications

Architects Journal Níall McLaughlin gets go-ahead for University College Oxford expansion

The Bartlett School of Architecture Oxford Projects by Níall McLaughlin Architects by - Issuu