University of Gloucester, Oxstalls Campus, Specialist Teaching Spaces for Health

As experienced University Architects, Quattro was appointed by the University of Gloucestershire to convert their existing sports hall into new physiotherapy, sport facilities and classrooms at their Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester.

The proposed alteration works will provide new physiotherapy and sport facilities on the ground floor and new classrooms on the first floor by inserting a first-floor structure across the entire hall.

The project constraints revolve around the existing structural bracing, proposed floor and ceiling height restrictions and the existing roof plan spaces which affect window sizes and positions. The high-level clerestory window sizes and locations are restricted by the existing structure and the existing roof plant. The overall internal floor area will be retained.

The works comprised:

Ground Floor:

• Conversion of one of the existing sports halls into two physiotherapy/ sports rooms.
• Installation of new windows along the west elevation
• Installation of new fire door at the west elevation
• Installation of new fire door at the north elevation
• Installation of a new floor standing external condenser.

First Floor:

• Insertion of a first-floor structure across the entire sports hall with 5 new classrooms
• Installation of new windows along the west elevation
• Installation of new high-level clerestory windows at the north and south elevations
• Installation of new openings for ventilation louvres at the west elevation
• Installation of new fire escape stairs

The proposed changes to the external elevations will fit into the established form and character of the on-site works, taking their cue from the existing university buildings.

Quattro approached the constraints with a clear and systematic design approach based upon contextual analysis.