Oakhill College: Innovation Hub | BVN

The Innovation Hub is the first building implementing the college’s masterplan vision. Its history as a former farm school resonates through the new development which features natural materials and connections with nature.

The building uses prefabricated mass timber to shorten construction time and minimise environmental impact. It provides a sustainable blueprint for the campus future developments. There’s a didactic approach to the visible technological and structural details of the building. An exposed network of pipes, beams and ducts criss-cross the ceiling, and glass elevators reveal their complex inner workings. In contrast to these bold mechanical accents is the organic warmth of timber, the primary visual and functional element of the building’s facade and interiors.

The sustainability focused design incorporates Passive House principles for increased thermal comfort and reduced energy use. Biophilic elements play an essential role for their ability to enhance focus and productivity and promote wellbeing.