CPW Champions Energy Efficient Upgrade for Grade II Listed Student Accommodation
The highly sustainable and energy efficient transformation of three Georgian buildings in Oxford’s historic centre is now underway. CPW is supporting St John’s College Oxford to create student accommodation that meets the needs of its occupants, as well as minimising its impact on the environment.
This project is set to sensitively transform 19-21 St John Street, three Grade II listed buildings that are in need of modernisation. The renovation works seek to maintain the character-defining features of the site, while providing a low energy performing building through deep retrofit.
CPW are using advanced thermal modelling and carbon emission analysis to achieve high energy performance standards. The design is expected to reduce the heating demand of the development by at least 40% and removing gas from the building will result in a significant improvement on carbon emission.
Through this analysis, CPW’s designs will ensure careful air tightness and thermal bridging detailing, effective insulation and upgrades to single glazed windows that will create a highly energy efficient building that is comfortable to live in. Air source heat pumps will also be installed as a low-carbon heating solution, with purpose-built acoustic enclosures to minimise noise disruption.
Jonathan Pollard, Associate Director at CPW said: “These listed buildings deserve to not only be preserved, but refurbished to a high standard of efficiency and comfort to ensure they continue to serve the students of Oxford for many years to come. The challenge with refurbishments such as these is how far you can push the boundaries between efficiency and heritage, so early engagement between the Architect and Conservation officer allowed us to understand their wants and needs, and translate that in to our approach.
“Older buildings are known for being cold, draughty and incredibly expensive to heat, so we sought to employ low carbon building fabric, heating and ventilation upgrades that reduce energy demand, minimise environmental impact and increase the satisfaction of those living there.
“At CPW we have a wealth of experience in transforming historic yet inefficient buildings into spaces that are a pleasure to spend time in. Sustainability is at our core; we want to help organisations like St John’s College to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Ian Stokes, Works Bursar at St John’s College, Oxford, said: “We are excited to work with CPW; their innovative solutions have helped guide this project to achieve a high efficiency, low carbon design. This refurbishment project is set to improve our accommodation stock and is an example of our commitment to put environmental sustainability at the centre of all we do.”
The design team for the 19-21 St John Street refurbishment include: Fusion Project Management, TSH Architects, Worlledge Associates, CPW, Engineers HRW, and Adams Habermehl.
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