British Construction Industry Awards 2023

Social Infrastructure Project of the Year

This category recognises schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, research facilities, law courts, prisons and other civic buildings contribute towards improved social service provision in the UK.

Winner

Wadham College, Oxford

Commissioning authority | Wadham College, University of Oxford

Lead designer | AL_A

Main contractor | Beard Construction

Other project contributors | Anodisers, Arup, Barn 6, Bidwells, Churchman Thornhill Finch, Colorminium, Cricursa, Eckersley O’Callaghan, Gleeds, Johnsons Wellfield, Turnberry, Ridge

Highly Commended

Glebe Farm School, Milton Keynes

Judges’ comment “Sustainability and the reduction of carbon inspired the design throughout” New buildings at the heart of 400-year-old Wadham College reflect the intention to highlight its aim of encouraging diversity and inclusion. Their purpose is to demonstrate the college’s aim to welcome and be accessible to underrepresented communities.

The design team worked closely with the college to encourage feedback through meetings with public authorities, regular design workshops and a public exhibition with residents, city councillors, amenity societies, neighbouring colleges and other interested parties.

The new buildings are modern in design but incorporate a outside staircase made in the same Headington stone as the neighbouring heritage structures.

The site has limited access routes so prefabrication was given priority. 3D building information modelling was used to optimise coordination between the o› site manufacturers and the designers.