Overview
Oxford Brookes University’s Headington Hill Campus project delivers a major new home for the Faculty of Technology, Design & Environment. Set within a Grade II-listed estate, the development comprises two new buildings: a three-storey teaching block and a specialist engineering building with faculty offices, labs and maker spaces.
The campus is designed to transform STEM and creative activity at the university, with a strong emphasis on Formula 1 technologies, robotics, immersive digital environments and advanced engineering research. The project has been handed over to a satisfied client following a 12-month delivery period.
Key Facts
Client: Oxford Brookes University
Location: Headington Hill Campus, Oxford
Project Type: Higher Education – New Build Teaching & Engineering Facilities
Services: Full Mechanical & Electrical Package
M&E Value: £14m (approx.) CMB Engineering
Duration: 12 months (on site from December 2023) CMB Engineering
Delivery Summary
- Westec worked alongside the wider team (via CMB’s M&E delivery) to help realise a modern, technically complex teaching and engineering environment. The new campus supports:
- A three-storey teaching block with immersion and robotics labs, 3D printing, VR/MR/AR suites and a dedicated computer suite. CMB Engineering
- A highly serviced engineering building housing specialist labs, high-voltage testing areas and an automotive lab with Formula 1 race cars. CMB Engineering
- The focus throughout was on resilient infrastructure, high levels of safety and control, and flexible capacity for evolving teaching and research needs.
Mechanical & Electrical Scope
Electrical Systems
- Main LV power and distribution throughout both buildings
- Standby generator for resilience
- Internal and external lighting installations with a site-wide DALI lighting control system
- Intelligent emergency lighting and exit signage
- Small power distribution to labs, workshops and specialist equipment
- Fire detection and alarm system
- Structured data cabling for high-density ICT and AV
- Disabled refuge and accessible toilet alarm systems
- Access control and door entry systems across the estate
- CCTV and security systems
- Lightning protection systems
- EV charging infrastructure
- Roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems contributing to on-site renewable generation
Mechanical Systems
- Drainage and sanitary ware installations
- Domestic cold-water systems and hot-water services served by local heat interface units
- Category 5 water systems to protect specialist processes
- Low-temperature hot-water (LTHW) heating systems served by roof-mounted air-source heat pumps
- General ventilation provided by roof-mounted air-handling units
- Kitchen extract systems
- DX air-conditioning systems for specialist and high-load environments
- Sprinkler systems including dry risers to the teaching block
- Misting system within specific areas (PBW)
- Specialist process gas systems for engineering and laboratory functions
- Specialist local extract systems to serve high-risk or high-load areas
- Smoke ventilation systems to key circulation and atrium zones (NHHB)
Sustainability & Compliance
- Use of air-source heat pumps and high-efficiency LTHW systems to reduce carbon intensity
- PV systems to offset electrical demand and support the university’s sustainability objectives
- Modern controls and DALI lighting to minimise energy use while maintaining quality of light
- Water systems and controls designed to protect users and specialist processes
Challenges & Achievements
- Working within a Grade II-listed estate, requiring sensitive integration of new services with existing heritage context
- Complex servicing of high-tech labs, VR and immersion spaces, and Formula 1-focused engineering facilities
- Delivering extensive mechanical and electrical infrastructure within a 12-month on-site programme
Outcome & Benefits
Headington Hill Campus now provides Oxford Brookes with a state-of-the-art technology and engineering hub. The new facilities:
- Support cutting-edge teaching in robotics, immersive technologies and advanced engineering
- Provide robust, future-ready M&E infrastructure sized for intensive technical use
- Offer a safe, well-controlled environment for students and staff, with resilient power, ventilation and life-safety systems
