New projects

 

Building control services for library refurbishment
Oculus is pleased to be providing the building control services for the refurbishment of the library at the University of Sussex, Brighton. The library was originally designed by Sir Basil Spence and the original part of the building has listed status. Oculus has worked with architects Woods Bagot, who have been careful to ensure that any upgrades and changes do not impact on the character of this modernist icon and are aligned with Sir Basil Spence's original strategy. The Library Refurbishment project aims to create a flexible, accessible, technology rich study environment offering state of the art facilities. The project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2011, coinciding with the University's 50th anniversary.

Work begins on new Energy Skills Centre, Bridgewater College
Oculus are providing building control for the new state of the art Energy Skills Centre at Bridgwater College. Work has now commenced on the centre which will provide a purpose built venue for the study of Science and Engineering including; robotics, welding, electronics, process control, material science and Realistic Working Environments including; operating elements within commercial power stations, decommissioning of existing power stations and undertaking simulated exercises in both these areas.

The new Energy Skills Centre has been designed to achieve the BREEAM 'excellent' rating for energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainable materials used etc. This includes the installation of a wind turbine and solar heating and photovoltaic cells on the roof. The roof area will also be partly covered in a 'green' sedum that will be utilised for rainwater harvesting and will contain ventilation chimneys that will help naturally ventilate the building. The car park will act as a storm water attenuation tank that will release rain water slowly back in to the local environment and assist with flood prevention. Access will be via a new cycle and pedestrian walkway which will minimise traffic movements to the new site and encourage more staff and students to walk/cycle to College.

DKA are architects and Kier are the Design Build contractor.

Other projects
Oculus continues its involvement with the National Trust at Tyntesfield with the appointment to provide the building control services for the new Visitors’ Centre from the conversion of Home Farm buildings. Architecton are providing the architectural services.

Our working relationship with Leadbitter Construction continues with a further Extra Care complex at Yate. Similar projects are under construction at Ebbw Vale and Llanishen.

With Frome Community Hospital now completed we are pleased to be working on further community hospitals at Minehead and South Petherton with Laing O'Rourke and DKA.

Our partnering arrangement with the Natural History Museum continues with further projects at the Waterhouse Building in Exhibition Road, London.

Oculus are keeping an 'eye' on the new Southampton Opthalmology unit near Fareham. An existing office building is being converted to provide operating theatres, etc.