Associated Architects LLP is delighted to announce the commencement of construction for the Global Health Building at the University of Oxford, a groundbreaking project undertaken in collaboration with Morgan Sindall Construction. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning approximately 4,700 sq. m, is poised to become a central hub for Global Health activities, offering cutting-edge amenities for around 400 staff members.
With its strong commitment to sustainability, the Global Health Building aims to achieve Passivhaus certification. The design incorporates innovative low-energy measures, and our dedicated team has conducted comprehensive embodied and operational carbon assessments, setting a milestone as the University’s first application of a Life Cycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) with all life-cycle modules aligned to BS EN 15978.
Designed to foster collaboration and engagement across disciplinary boundaries, the building features flexible spaces, suitable facilities, and enhanced teaching areas to accommodate diverse programs, including existing and proposed Masters’ courses. The emphasis on collaboration extends from long-term partnerships to serendipitous interactions, reflecting our dedication to creating a dynamic and inspiring environment.
One of the project’s highlights is the integration with the natural environment, strategically emphasising its connection to the wood and brook areas. Internal arrangements prioritise clear views of the surrounding woodland, utilising horizontal ribbon windows to maximise natural light, reduce energy consumption, and contribute to the mental wellbeing of occupants through biophilic design features such as green walls.
Situated at the Old Road Campus, the Global Health Building will unite the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health with the Nuffield Department of Population Health. This strategic investment reinforces the University’s position as a global leader in health research, capitalising on its already impressive concentration of Global Health activities.
By clustering Global Health activities, the Global Health Building will offer modern, flexible space designed to break down existing silos. It will serve as a focal point for engagement with external stakeholders, seamlessly integrating education and training with research. The building is poised to encourage interaction, collaboration, and innovation, thereby fostering growth within the University-wide research community.
