John McAslan + Partners Transforms Osney Power Station into Oxford Saïd Business School's Global Leadership Centre
Osney Power Station, which began operations in 1892 as Oxford's inaugural electrical power facility, has been reimagined by John McAslan + Partners into the Global Leadership Centre for the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. The design firm meticulously restored the Victorian brick exteriors, reconstructed and expanded the upper metal-clad levels, and incorporated a new brick extension. This centre boasts 120 guest rooms, classrooms, a dining area, a library, a gym, and a terrace with views of the River Thames. The former turbine hall has been transformed into a grand triple-height entrance known as an agora. The three floors of accommodation are enveloped in perforated grey metal, and enhancements included improved insulation and the addition of photovoltaic panels. Collaborators on the project were Mann Williams, Long and Partners, Arcadis, and contractor Graham, with photography by Hufton + Crow.
Key facts
- Osney Power Station opened in 1892 as Oxford's first electrical power plant
- John McAslan + Partners restored the brick facades and rebuilt and extended the metal-clad upper levels
- The Global Leadership Centre contains 120 bedrooms, teaching and meeting spaces, a dining room, a library, a gym and a terrace overlooking the River Thames
- The turbine hall was converted into a triple-height entrance and shared space described by the practice as an agora
- A courtyard cuts into the centre of the building to bring in natural light, with three floors of accommodation above
- Perforated grey metal wraps the upper portion to filter daylight into the bedrooms
- Steel trusses, exposed brickwork and a gantry crane were retained; photovoltaic panels and air-source heat pumps were installed
- Founder John McAslan and associate architect Stephen Leccacorvi both commented on the transformation approach
Entities
Artists
- John McAslan
- Stephen Leccacorvi
Institutions
- John McAslan + Partners
- University of Oxford
- Saïd Business School
- Mann Williams
- Long and Partners
- Arcadis
- RBA Acoustics
- Clive Onions
- GIA Surveyors
- IMA Transport Planning
- Savills
- Ridge and Partners
- Pell Frischmann
- Graham
- Hufton + Crow
- Dezeen
Locations
- Oxford
- United Kingdom
- River Thames
Sources
- Dezeen —