UNIVERSITIES
St Catherine’s College, Oxford
St Catherine’s College stands as one of Britain’s most significant modernist masterpieces - Arne Jacobsen’s Grade I listed 1960s campus represents a complete architectural vision where every element was meticulously designed. When Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was identified in roof structures across 8,074m² of the original buildings, the College faced the complex challenge of remediating this material while preserving the integrity of Jacobsen’s design. We are working with the College to address RAAC across the Kitchen, Dining Hall, Junior and Senior Common Rooms, Administration Block, Wolfson Library, Bernard Sunley Building, and accommodation blocks. The remediation programme requires exceptional sensitivity - these aren’t simply listed buildings requiring repair, but internationally significant examples of mid-century modernism where architectural authenticity is paramount. Following approval of Planning and Listed Building Consent by Oxford City Council in 2024, construction works commenced in early 2025 with contractor Beard. The phased approach prioritises central facilities - Kitchen, Common Rooms, Dining Hall, Library, and Bernard Sunley Building - ensuring the College can maintain operations while safeguarding these critical spaces. This project exemplifies the technical and heritage challenges inherent in maintaining post-war modernist architecture. The work requires balancing structural necessity with conservation philosophy, ensuring remediation preserves Jacobsen’s vision while guaranteeing long-term building safety and demonstrating how careful intervention can extend the life of irreplaceable modernist heritage for future generations.
OA ARCHITECTURE
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