Oxford Method Research Programme

Introduction

Oxford Method is a generic term applied to a system of design and construction developed by the Oxford Regional Health Board in the 1960's and 1970's to respond to the demand for a large programme of cost effective buildings which could be constructed speedily.
The system was developed over time and the detailed design varies depending on the age of the building but common features include the use of asbestos (mainly in column casings and ceilings), un-insulated 'thin' external wall construction, single glazing and asphalt flat roofs.
The design was intended to be flexible, to allow the same 'shell' to be used for various internal layouts and to provide ease of future changes of use.
The principles of the Oxford Method have been used outside the U.K. and the royalties accruing are administered by Trustees who have commissioned James Nisbet & Partners to prepare this report into the financial issues related to the use and retainability of Oxford Method Buildings.
The report is intended to be a useful source of cost and specification data for Estates Managers and others when considering remedial works to, or more significant refurbishments of, Oxford Method buildings.
Readers may wish to refer also to a separate, but parallel, report prepared by Brian Battrick of Surveys entitled ' Viability ', which considers non-financial aspects of Oxford Method buildings.