Our work on the Investcorp Building for Oxford University continues our lengthy relationship with Zaha Hadid Architects.

This project creates additional facilities for the Middle East Centre at St Anthony's College on the University campus.

The three-storey building includes reception and exhibition areas, lecture theatre, library, reading room, archive and a café. This extension links two historic buildings occupied by the Middle East Centre.

Our strategy included employing natural ventilation wherever possible, including smaller rooms and the café. Skylights provide natural daylight to the library, with the façade of the archive reading room fitted with finely porous glass that allows air to pass through, helping to control solar gain.

The archive is serviced using a passive strategy, with minimal mechanical conditioning. The building forms part of a site-wide energy plan for the college.