SOLID are thrilled to have three projects shortlisted for OXPROPFEST Awards. The OXPROPFEST Awards recognise the very best in Oxfordshire’s property industry. It celebrates Oxfordshire’s construction and built environment and the judges look for organisations that drive change. SOLID’s shortlisted projects include Swailes SuperLab, Zion’s Hill and Bloxham School’s boarding house extension – Stonehill.

Swailes SuperLab is nominated for not one but two OXPROPFEST awards including ‘Best Commercial Project of the Year’ and ‘Project of the Year’. The SuperLab, which completed on site late last year, offers a flexible science-orientated open-plan office space with laboratories. Situated in the heart of the planned regeneration site on the Osney Mead Industrial Estate in Oxford, the Lab is within walking distance of Oxford’s main transport links.

SOLID were appointed as Structural Engineers on the project which is the new office development of award-winning developer Robin Swailes Design and Development.

The unique project did present a range of challenges for the SOLID team. The site itself consisted of soft alluvial deposits and was of significant depth, therefore, Stage One consisted of the construction of a piled foundation system with reinforced concrete ground beams. As Thames Water mains traverse the site the building’s footprint needed to be positioned in an L-shape close to the boundary which led to some piles being positioned tight to existing obstructions.

Despite challenges, the result is a striking property with a substantial bullnose curved cantilever on the northern side.

Shortlisted for the Best Residential Development of the Year 2023’ (small scale) is Zion’s Hill. Designed by Adrian James Architects the Zion’s Hill Project saw a contemporary extension replace an existing, poorly constructed, extension. The historic property was also reordered to provide a less dis-jointed, family-friendly layout.

SOLID undertook the Civil, Structural and Stone Façade Engineering for the project. Given the complex nature of the oversized, deeply cut asymmetrical splayed stone window reveals with stone edges measuring, in some places, as little as 30mm, Director Sean called on his in-depth experience in designing stone façades for this project.

The completed extension is contemporary in style yet hints at the original building’s heritage with traditional Cotswold stone used as the primary material. Walls are constructed from a combination of rubble and cut ashlar stone. The rubble stone stands proud from the mortar to add shadows and texture beside the smooth, faceted ashlar.

Our final project shortlisted in the Awards is ‘Stonehill’, the extension to the Stonehill Boarding House at Bloxham School designed by Acanthus Clews Architects. Situated alongside the existing Grade II listed boarding house the new extension is made up of a modern steel framed building and a reinstated coach house which had sat derelict for a number of years. Through clever design the combination merge beautifully to create the perfect blend of old and new architecture, with glazed walkways to link each section effortlessly.

SOLID were appointed to design the structural elements throughout. Due to the nature of the project’s location, various site constraints presented themselves, for example poor ground conditions. We designed our structure to incorporate an SFS, or steel framing system. A versatile and highly efficient form of construction made from cold-rolled steel which reduces demand on foundations.

Whilst this steel frame supports the new, modern extension, the reinstated coach house is, instead, supported internally by a free-standing glulam portal frame. Glulam offers the required strength with its excellent strength to weight ratio, without compromising on aesthetics.

The new accommodation includes a large communal common room, comfortable bedrooms with study spaces, and multiple toilet and shower facilities.

SOLID are proud to have been involved with each of these unique designs and would like to congratulate all those involved in making them successful. We look forward to the awards ceremony in September.

SOLID in OXPROPFEST Shortlist

SOLID.