Hybrid structural solution selected for historic Oxford college

B&K Structures, one of the UK’s leading sustainable structural frame contractors, has been appointed to supply and install a series of steel, glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) hybrid frames at Balliol College, Oxford.

The new-build education development will provide much needed undergraduate student accommodation at what is one of the University of Oxford’s oldest and most prestigious colleges.

The full project is worth £40 million, with B&K Structures working alongside main contractors BAM to deliver the scheme.

Comprising eight separate blocks – a four-storey building and seven smaller three-storey structures the new accommodation blocks will include a truly hybrid solution, blending steel, CLT, and glulam.

All blocks will feature CLT and steel hybrid structures, as well as visual glulam beams to two blocks.

The engineered timber boasts excellent sustainability credentials, being fully PEFC certified with a complete chain of custody to ensure the timber is from well-managed forests.

B&K Structures has already commenced work on site, and expects to complete the first phase of installation at the end of summer 2018, with the second phase of installation due to commence September 2018.

Due to the company’s off-site manufacturing methods, it is estimated that there will be a maximum of 10 people required on-site at any point during the structural installation process, and that a total of fifty-five deliveries for all eight accommodation blocks will be made to the site by BKS – improving health and safety and reducing disruption and air and noise pollution during the construction process.

Commenting on the contract, B&K Structures’ managing director, Andy Goodwin, said: “We are proud to be working alongside BAM on what is another prestigious project. The historical nature of Balliol College means the new accommodation must be sensitively designed to enhance the college. Hybrid structures allow for attractive buildings with airy communal spaces due to the potential for increased floor to ceiling height and larger windows.

“Combining steel with (CLT) and glulam also reduces the weight of the structure, decreasing the load on foundations, and the use of certified timber from managed forests reduces the building’s carbon footprint, while our off-site manufacturing methods can reduce the length of the site programme by up to 25 per cent, compared to a more traditional concrete frame, helping to control costs and increase returns as students are able to move in sooner.”