Principal contractor Graham was tasked with converting the former electrical power station, which originally opened in 1892, into a modern residential learning complex at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. A key cog in the city’s infrastructure until its closure in 1969, the site was then acquired by the University for use as a research laboratory by the Department of Engineering Science.
The latest development in Osney Power Station’s journey sees it become part of the Saïd Business School, comprising of 121 hotel-style bedrooms with wider teaching and social spaces for students. The architects John McAslan + Partners have combined the building’s historic fabric with world class contemporary design, meaning it is on course to run on zero-carbon in the future. The design places collaboration and sustainability at the project’s heart, in line with the School’s mission of ‘enabling leaders to positively impact their organisations, society and the world’.
The huge project scale required the complete repurposing of the power station, including the interior being gutted and elements of the exterior being changed. In order to make the building suitable for residence, safety concerns such as passive fire protection also needed to be taken into account. The breadth of Encon’s specialist range and logistical capabilities enabled us to support our customers to meet the varied requirements of such a vast project.
T Lott Ltd was chosen as the specialist drylining contractor, installing a full British Gypsum Gyproc drywall system, as well as a British Gypsum Glasroc fire system. Isover products were also installed to provide a safe and comfortable experience for building users. Encon’s longstanding relationships with leading manufacturer partners were integral in ensuring the availability of products for such a complex specification.
Scott Henney, Commercial Director – Nevill Long, South East comments: “T Lott is a valued customer at our East London branch and we are working on several exciting projects together. The key for this project was our national branch network, as the proximity of Encon & Nevill Long Witney to the site allowed us to offer flexible deliveries to the designated offload area to keep works progressing. We also used our considerable experience to help overcome logistical issues.”
Ghenadie Mihalachi, Project Manager, T Lott Ltd, adds: “We are very happy with Encon’s service. Their communication has been excellent throughout to keep the project progressing, even through adverse weather in January 2025, and their advice was invaluable when we encountered difficulties offloading deliveries.”
Problems with site access were resolved by a stakeholder meeting, attended by James Bint, Sales Office Manager at Encon & Nevill Long Witney, which led to the opening of an accessible off-site offload area. Witney’s modern, dedicated fleet ensured that products could be delivered to the offload area as and when our customers needed.
Vulcan Construction Services was contracted for the brickwork package, installing a Rockwool Rainscreen Duo Slab system as part of the façade buildup. For Vulcan, the support of Kate Steenkamp, Encon’s Key Account Manager – South East, was crucial.
Bernard Barrett, Vulcan’s Managing Director, explains: “Kate and I met at an industry event last year, while my business partner Michael has known her for years. This was our first large project with Encon, and Kate has looked after us well throughout. All has gone really well with this project and we’re keen to do more work together going forward.”
To benefit from our comprehensive project support and knowledgeable team for your next project, contact your local Encon & Nevill Long branch or email support@encon.co.uk.
Project Overview
Architect: John McAslan + Partners
Client: University of Oxford
Main Contractor: GRAHAM
Specialist Contractors: T Lott Ltd
Vulcan Construction Services
Distributor: Encon & Nevill Long Witney
Photos / CGI image supplied by T Lott
