The project transforms an unloved, City Centre, cobbled back street, with 5 dated 1970s accommodation blocks into a characterful, modern mews, providing new Passivhaus standard accommodation for 33 Post Graduate students.

The 2 & 3 storey scaled building has been designed to sit comfortably alongside both its historic and modern neighbours, and is informed by specific daylighting analysis, heritage values and ownership boundaries.  The red stretcher and glazed header brick façade (alongside load bearing red precast concrete) has been carefully sculpted, with window sizes and locations informed by sensitive analysis, 3d modelling and a thorough review process.  Specifically, recessed balconies afford views down, rather than across Pusey Lane, whilst on the West facing elevation, attractive metal screens have been incorporated to ensure privacy, whilst allowing light in.

The 3 storey portions will provide 5 ‘houses’ each with shared living, dining and kitchen facilities, along with 25 generously sized and dual aspect bedrooms, whilst the central 2 storey portion provides 8 apartments.  Each of the houses and a number of the apartments, will have a front door onto the street, creating an ‘active frontage’ and ensuring natural surveillance along it.

The project will also involve, the relaying of the road, the addition of a two metre wide shared surface pavement and a planted rain garden – dramatically improving the experience, greening the street and encouraging biodiversity

The combination of works, which have seen extensive design review and consultation process will create a charming and accessible street, adding to and improving this portion of the City and creating a new chapter, in the rich history of Oxfords Central Conservation Area.