Project Summary
Fusion were appointed to provide Contract Administration services on behalf of St John’s College, Oxford. The project culminated in the refurbishment of two Grade I listed libraries and external works to the Canterbury Quadrangle.
Internally, the scope of works included restoration of the Laudian Library, built between 1631-1635 & the Old Library, built between 1596-1598. The reclamation scope was extensive and particularly specialist, inclusive of fundamental timber and stone repairs throughout, whilst complying with modern building and access requirements, and a fabric upgrades, reducing the College’s energy demand.
Key challenges included the original historical bookcases having to remain in situ during the completion of the works, requiring significant protection. Further, works included the restoration of discovered historical wall paintings, wall panelling, fireplaces, and historic glazing. In addition to the libraries, the ground floor improvement works included the remodelling of the one to one teaching rooms, reverting these rooms back to their historic layout for the modern-day use, inclusive of the renewing of historic wall panelling and the introduction of new.
Externally within the Canterbury Quadrangle, the structural columns had been identified as failing, requiring full replacement and significant temporary works to reduce stress on the historic fabric whilst the works were undertaken.
Extensive UV and weather damage to the decorative external stonework was further identified during the construction period, requiring extensive specialist repairs. Fusion sensitively managed this matter, as the scope of stone repairs could have expanded significantly, therefore, works were graded in order of severity, and instructed to suit the College’s programme and budget constraints.
The project required Fusion Project Management to work with a number of key stakeholders, ensuring the contract was administered correctly, compliant with the Listed Building Consent, provided on time and under budget.
Services Provided
Contract Administration
