It’s not a big project but for the University of Oxford it has a certain significance.

Above: CGI of Kellogg College’s new social hub

The university has this week started construction of a new £2m social hub at Kellogg College. It will be the first building on the University of Oxford estate built to Passivhaus standards.

“This building will not only provide an exciting new social hub at the heart of the College campus, open to all members of the college, it will also be a low-energy model for the university, both in terms of energy use and running costs,” said Chris Davies, acting president at Kellogg College.

Construction company Speller Metcalfe was appointed as building contractor at design stage alongside architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

“We have a real specialism in delivery of highly sustainable projects, including Passivhaus design, which can see a reduction of up to 90% in energy bills,” said Adrian Speller, director of sustainability at Speller Metcalfe.

“It is fantastic to work with a client who is so forward-thinking and willing to invest in a building that will have a much lower impact on the environment in the longer term.”

Located on Banbury Road, the new hub will provide social space for post-graduate students and incorporates a new kitchen, café and common room. The project is set to complete in April 2017.

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