Oxfam Global Hub
Oxford Business Park

This British Council of Offices’ regional award-winning scheme was designed to provide an integrated working environment for Oxfam’s staff and volunteers and to allow co-operative working and easy communication between departments. The compact plan form, extensive open-plan areas and the open atrium were all developed to keep communication routes short and allow the development of an integrated pattern of work. The development has produced real operational savings and benefits that have contributed to Oxfam's work with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

Access to the development is via a broad pedestrian plaza in front of the building which also accommodates visitor and accessible parking spaces.  The two-storey glazed entrance leads visitors into the heart of the development.

The facades are clad in crisp, white, reconstructed stone panels with simple, regular areas of curtain walling.  Brises-soleils provide modelling as well as solar shading on elevations exposed to significant solar gain.

The double-height entrance hall leads directly into the three storey atrium at the heart of the building.  Office space is open to the atrium at all levels and bridges incorporating break-out areas at each level tie the space together, allowing easy communication. The ground floor accommodates an extensive conference suite with facilities for outside broadcasts, a crèche, the staff restaurant and an exhibition area.

Oxfam’s ethical purchasing policy was central to their brief and was implemented by the developer, design team and contractor throughout. The building achieves a Very Good BREEAM rating.